In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India founded Sienna Charles, her exclusive travel concierge service, with the mindset of “faking it until making it.” At the start, she faced a challenging situation where potential clients expressed interest in her services based on articles they had read, yet she had no actual clients to cater to. Her husband even doubted her ambitions as she often told prospective clients that she was booked solid with high-net-worth individuals.
Fast forward to today, her strategy has proven successful. India now counts prominent figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey among her clientele, who typically earn over $100 million annually. But what does India offer that these affluent clients cannot achieve themselves?
India emphasizes that while her clients may hold significant power and connections, it is her attention to detail and genuine care that makes a difference. With a background as a server, she developed a keen understanding of people’s desires and needs, which she believes is crucial in her line of work.
Her company, Sienna Charles, boasts an extensive network of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, including luxury yachts, high-end hotels, and renowned restaurants. This relationship-building approach allows India to curate unique travel experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.
India notes that her clients have clear visions of what they want but often lack the resources or creativity to actualize those ideas. Her talent lies in distilling their wishes into actionable experiences.
Her aim goes beyond simply securing reservations at exclusive venues; she is committed to delivering meaningful experiences. For instance, while she can gain access to renowned establishments like the French Laundry in Napa, she prefers to recommend more unique offerings, such as Single Thread Farms.
Her services often culminate in singular occasions, such as organizing candlelight dinners in Versailles or brunches on the Arc de Triomphe. She also combines culinary experiences with opportunities to meet influential personalities, hosting breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
On the other hand, she understands that sometimes her clients seek comfort in simplicity. For example, when Bush visited Ethiopia, she arranged for his favorite peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer to be available, along with a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
India emphasizes her genuine care for her clients and the importance of finding authentic experiences beyond mere luxury. She often engages in conversations with a wide array of people, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover the most interesting options available for her clientele.