Jaclyn Sienna India, the founder of the boutique travel concierge service Sienna Charles, started her business in 2008 with the mindset of “fake it until you make it.” Initially struggling for clients, India recalls her husband doubting her ambitions as they received inquiries from people who had read about her services, to which she would respond that she was “sold out” despite having no clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has paid off, allowing her to attract high-profile clients, including former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her clientele consists of individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million, and she prides herself on providing unique travel experiences that can’t be easily arranged by her wealthy clients themselves.
India emphasizes the importance of genuine care and personal connection in her services. Drawing from her experience as a server for five years before establishing her business, she understands what motivates people and prioritizes attentive service. Her extensive “black book” contains over 2,000 contacts in the hospitality industry, enabling her to create personalized travel and dining experiences.
For India, the goal is not merely to secure reservations at prestigious venues but to ensure that her clients enjoy meaningful experiences. For instance, she prefers to recommend unique dining options over conventional high-profile restaurants, like opting for Single Thread Farms in Napa instead of the often-hyped French Laundry.
Her services often include one-of-a-kind experiences, such as arranging a candlelight dinner in Versailles or a brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. India also arranges interactions with notable personalities, having organized meals with members of the Hermes and Fendi families.
Sometimes, her clients seek simpler comforts, as was the case when she provided former President Bush with peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer during his trip to Ethiopia. India remains dedicated to finding authentic experiences for her clients, engaging with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff to offer the most interesting and genuine options.