Jaclyn Sienna India established her luxury travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a determination to succeed despite her initial lack of clients. She often found herself misleading potential clients by claiming her services were fully booked, even though she had no customers at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India now serves a high-profile clientele, including former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Her clients typically earn over $100 million annually, meaning they have access to nearly everything, yet they seek something unique that India can offer.
She believes that the secret to providing exceptional service lies in genuine care and empathy. Having worked as a server for five years before launching her business, India understands human connection and the importance of attentiveness. She maintains extensive industry relationships, a “black book” that includes over 2,000 contacts in hospitality, enabling her to create exclusive travel and dining experiences for her clients.
India tailors her services to align with her clients’ visions, often needing just a few words to grasp their desires and bring their dreams to life. Her goal transcends simply providing access to luxurious venues; she ensures that the experiences are meaningful and memorable.
For instance, she prefers not to offer reservations at well-known locations like the three-Michelin star French Laundry, instead championing less conventional spots like Single Thread Farms, which she believes offer more engaging experiences.
Her offerings often include unique events, such as a candlelit dinner at Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She also arranges personal interactions with notable figures, having organized breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Sometimes her clients request simpler comforts; for instance, when Bush visited Ethiopia, she arranged for him to have peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and organized for local children to greet him wearing Texas Rangers caps.
India emphasizes that her approach focuses on authenticity and meaningful experiences rather than just luxury. She engages with various people daily, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover interesting and genuine options for her clients, showcasing that the world offers a wide array of experiences beyond mere extravagance.