In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India launched Sienna Charles, a boutique travel concierge service, with the initial goal of projecting confidence despite having no clients. Her determination to “fake it until she made it” drew skepticism from her husband as inquiries from potential clients indicated a busy schedule that she did not have.
Over the years, India’s strategy proved effective. Today, she serves an elite clientele, including prominent figures like former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Her clients, who earn over $100 million annually, require more than just access to luxurious venues; they seek meaningful experiences.
India emphasizes that her success lies in her personal approach. She believes that genuine care and understanding her clients’ desires are crucial. Drawing from her experience as a server, she knows how to connect with people and cater to their needs, creating unique travel and dining experiences.
Her extensive network, boasting over 2,000 contacts in the hospitality industry, allows her to curate memorable events. India focuses on grasping her clients’ visions and translating them into reality, often in surprising ways. Instead of offering the usual high-profile Michelin-starred restaurants, she seeks out more intriguing options, like supporting local establishments that she finds more compelling.
India prides herself on crafting one-of-a-kind experiences. Examples include organizing a candlelight dinner in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She often blends meals with encounters with notable figures, such as arranging breakfasts with the Hermes family or lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
However, not all requests are extravagant. When President Bush visited Ethiopia, she ensured he had some comforts from home, such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, alongside a warm welcome from local children.
India is dedicated to providing authentic experiences, stating that her engagement with everyone, from drivers to restaurant staff, helps her discover unique opportunities for her clients. She believes that true travel goes beyond luxury and encompasses the richness of genuine experiences.