In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, a travel concierge service, with the aim of building her business through creative networking.
Initially, India faced skepticism, including from her husband, as she would receive inquiries from people who had seen her articles, asking for travel advice to places like Disney or New Jersey. However, she often pretended to be fully booked, despite having no clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s approach has proven fruitful. She now counts notable figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey among her clientele, all of whom generate over $100 million in income annually. This elite client base seeks specialized services that extend beyond ordinary travel arrangements.
India believes that the key to her success lies in her genuine care and attention to her clients’ needs. With a background as a server, she understands the nuances of customer service and the importance of building strong relationships. Her extensive network within the hospitality sector includes over 2,000 contacts, enabling her to curate distinctive travel and dining experiences for her clients.
She describes her role as helping clients articulate their desires, providing them with the tools and access they lack to realize their visions. For instance, when advising clients on potential dining experiences, she prioritizes authenticity over exclusivity. Instead of promoting a well-known, three-Michelin star restaurant, India offers alternatives she believes are more creatively satisfying.
Her curated experiences include unique events, such as organizing a candlelit dinner in Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, India arranges for her clients to meet influential individuals, having previously set up meals with prominent families in the fashion industry.
However, she also caters to simpler preferences; for instance, when arranging a trip for Bush to Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and he received a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
Ultimately, India emphasizes her commitment to authenticity in experiences, stating that she engages with a variety of people to find the most enriching opportunities for her clients. Her philosophy transcends luxury, focusing on genuine and memorable moments.