When Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, her luxury travel concierge service, in 2008, she embraced the philosophy of “fake it ’til you make it.” At the time, her husband doubted her ambition as they received inquiries about travel experiences. “I had to tell people we were fully booked with high-net-worth clients, even though I didn’t have any,” she shared.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India has successfully built an impressive clientele that includes world leaders like former President George W. Bush and high-profile celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Her services cater to individuals earning over $100 million annually, granting them access to exclusive travel experiences.
India emphasizes that her success stems from genuine care and understanding of her clients’ desires. Drawing from her five years of experience as a server, she highlights the importance of attention and compassion in her work. “My clients have immense power and connections, but it’s care that makes a difference,” she explained.
Sienna Charles boasts an extensive network within the hospitality sector, featuring over 2,000 relationships with luxury hotels, yachts, and fine dining establishments. This network enables her to curate unique travel experiences that resonate with her clients’ visions. “I have a knack for interpreting their desires and turning them into reality,” India noted.
While she aims to provide exclusive venues, her primary focus is on ensuring the overall experience is meaningful. For instance, India prefers unique dining options over famous establishments. She remarked, “I don’t think French Laundry is particularly exciting, so I don’t sell it. There are far more interesting experiences available.”
Her innovative approach has led to unforgettable events, such as organizing a candlelit dinner at Versailles and a brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she often arranges meals with notable personalities, having set up breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
At times, her clients seek simpler comforts. During Bush’s visit to Ethiopia, for example, she arranged for him to have peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, complemented by the welcoming sight of local children in Texas Rangers caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India explained. She invests time in connecting with various individuals, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover authentic experiences for her clients. “Luxury isn’t everything. My clients crave unique and genuine encounters,” she concluded.