Jaclyn Sienna India founded her premium travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008, with the mindset of “faking it until making it.” Initially, she had no clients, instead fielding calls from potential customers while telling them her services were already fully booked.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has proven successful. She now counts numerous influential figures among her clientele, including former President George W. Bush and various celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her exclusive services cater to high-net-worth individuals who earn over $100 million annually.
India emphasizes that her approach is unique, despite her clients often being more powerful and connected than she is. She believes that true care and emotional intelligence are key in her line of work. Drawing on her past experience as a server, she has cultivated strong relationships across the hospitality sector, boasting a network of over 2,000 contacts in luxury venues such as yachts, hotels, and fine dining establishments.
Her role often involves understanding and manifesting her clients’ visions, helping them access experiences they might not have time or resources to fulfill themselves. “They just don’t have the tools, the time, the access and the creativity to be able to fulfill that,” she noted.
However, India’s priority is not just to secure her clients a spot at the most exclusive venues but to ensure the experiences are meaningful. For instance, she prefers recommending less conventional dining options over renowned establishments that may not deliver the desired excitement.
India curates exclusive and memorable events for her clients, such as a candlelight dinner at Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She often integrates personal connections into these experiences, facilitating meals with influential families like Hermes and Fendi.
Even simpler requests are handled thoughtfully; for example, when arranging for Bush’s visit to Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts of home, like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children.
Ultimately, India is driven by her genuine care for people and a commitment to providing authentic experiences that go beyond luxury, bringing a holistic perspective to her clients’ travel ambitions.