In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, a boutique travel concierge service, with a focus on projecting success. At the time, she faced skepticism from her husband as they received inquiries from potential clients, despite her having no actual customers.
Fast forward sixteen years, and her strategy of “faking it until you make it” has proven successful. India now caters to a roster that includes notable figures such as former President George W. Bush and singer Mariah Carey, with clients typically earning over $100 million annually. Her clientele, affluent and powerful, benefits from personal attention that goes beyond what they can arrange independently.
India emphasizes that her value lies in the genuine care she provides, drawn from her background as a server. She has developed a network of over 2,000 connections in the hospitality sector, allowing her to create exclusive travel experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.
She describes her role as understanding and articulating her clients’ visions, even when they may not have the time or resources to achieve them. This includes arranging unique outings, such as a candlelit dinner in Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe.
India prioritizes meaningful experiences over mere luxury. She believes some highly touted destinations, like the French Laundry in Napa Valley, aren’t as noteworthy as other options, such as Single Thread Farms.
Furthermore, India often integrates her clients’ interests with encounters with notable personalities, having organized meals with prestigious families such as Hermes and Fendi. In simpler instances, she ensured that Bush had familiar comforts while in Ethiopia, including peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer.
Her commitment to authenticity drives her daily interactions. She engages with everyone from drivers to restaurant staff, always on the lookout for unique experiences to recommend. “The world is not just luxury,” she states, highlighting her dedication to delivering authentic and enriching experiences for her clients.