From Faux Pas to Fabulous: The Journey of a Luxury Travel Maven

Jaclyn Sienna India founded her boutique travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a strategy to “fake it until you make it.” In the early days, she often had to take phone calls from potential clients and create an air of exclusivity, even when she had no clients to show for it. Despite her husband’s skepticism, her approach has led to significant success.

After sixteen years, India has cultivated a clientele that includes high-profile figures, such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her clients typically earn over $100 million annually and have a wealth of resources at their disposal. However, India’s role extends beyond merely facilitating access to luxury experiences.

India believes the key to her success lies in genuine care and empathy. Drawing from her past experience as a server, she understands the importance of personal connections. She has built a vast network in the hospitality industry, maintaining a “black book” of over 2,000 contacts across hotels, yachts, and fine dining establishments. This network enables her to design bespoke travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.

India emphasizes that her focus is not solely on opulence but on creating meaningful interactions. She often proposes alternatives to typical high-profile venues, sharing her opinions candidly about places she doesn’t find appealing, like the famed French Laundry in Napa. Instead, she highlights unique experiences that resonate more with her clients.

Her clientele has enjoyed unforgettable moments, from organizing a candlelit dinner in Versailles to brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. India also prioritizes pairing dining experiences with remarkable personalities, having arranged meals with the Fendi and Hermes families.

Sometimes, however, her clients seek simple comforts, as was the case when she ensured President Bush had access to peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer during a trip to Ethiopia. India is committed to delivering authentic experiences, believing that the world encompasses a broad spectrum beyond just luxury, and her clients often seek genuine connections and unique adventures.

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