Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, her luxury travel concierge service, in 2008, with the determination to succeed, even if it meant pretending at first. During the early days of her business, she received inquiries from potential clients who had seen her work, yet she had no actual customers. To maintain appearances, she often claimed to be fully booked with high-net-worth clients, much to the disbelief of her husband.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India has transformed her venture into an elite service catering to high-profile clients, including former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Her clientele consists of individuals with annual earnings exceeding $100 million, who may already possess everything they desire. However, India believes her unique offerings set her apart.
She emphasizes that genuine care and emotional connection are crucial in her line of work, stating, “My clients are way more powerful than me… but that’s not what gets things done. It’s care.” India’s background as a server has shaped her understanding of people’s needs, allowing her to focus on providing personal and attentive service.
Sienna Charles features an extensive network of over 2,000 connections within the hospitality sector, which India leverages to create exceptional travel experiences tailored to her clients’ desires. She views her role as facilitating their visions, often transforming vague ideas into unforgettable experiences.
Her approach goes beyond simply booking high-end restaurants; she aims to ensure that each experience is meaningful. For instance, she modifies her recommendations based on the authenticity and excitement of the venues. While she could secure reservations at renowned establishments like the French Laundry, she prefers to suggest alternatives that she finds more intriguing.
India frequently crafts unique occasions for her clients, such as arranging a candlelit dinner in Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She also integrates networking with notable figures into dining experiences, as seen with breakfast meetings involving the Hermes and Fendi families.
At times, her clients’ requests are more straightforward, like when she accommodated George W. Bush’s comfort food preferences during a trip to Ethiopia, providing him with peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer. She also ensured a warm welcome by arranging for local children to greet him wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
India’s philosophy revolves around fostering authentic experiences. She invests time in conversations with various individuals—from cab drivers to restaurant staff—to cultivate unique options for her clients. Her belief is that enriching experiences encompass more than just luxury; they include the richness of authentic interactions and genuine moments.