Jaclyn Sienna India established her travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with the ambition of succeeding despite initial challenges. At the time, she would often receive inquiries from potential clients interested in vacations, even though she had no actual clients to serve. “My husband thought I was the dumbest person in the world because we would get calls from people saying, ‘Oh, I saw your article. I’d love to go to Disney,’” she recounted. “And I was like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, we’re so busy, we’re really sold out this season with high-net-worth people.’ But I had no clients.”
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy of perseverance has proven successful. She now caters to high-profile clients, including world leaders and celebrities like Mariah Carey, who each have annual earnings exceeding $100 million. India emphasizes the importance of personal connections and genuine care in fulfilling her clients’ needs, stating, “I was a server for five years before I started my business. I understand what makes people tick.”
Sienna Charles features an extensive network of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality industry, which enables India to craft unique travel and dining experiences. She explains, “My clients have a vision of what they want, but they often lack the tools, time, and access to achieve it. One of my gifts has been understanding that vision with only a few words.”
Her aim goes beyond merely gaining access to exclusive venues; she prioritizes creating meaningful experiences. For instance, India opted not to promote a well-known, Michelin-starred restaurant in Napa, believing that a lesser-known establishment would provide a more engaging experience.
India frequently arranges exclusive events for her clients, such as a candlelight dinner at Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she integrates opportunities to meet influential figures, having organized meals with the Hermes and Fendi families.
On occasion, her clients’ requests are more straightforward. When former President George W. Bush visited Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, while also creating an intimate connection by arranging for local children to greet him.
Ultimately, India’s approach centers on authenticity. “The world is not just luxury. The world is not just fancy experiences. It’s everything,” she concludes, highlighting her dedication to providing her clients with genuine experiences.