Jaclyn Sienna India started Sienna Charles, her luxury travel concierge service, in 2008 with the mindset of “faking it until making it.” Initially, she faced skepticism, including from her husband, as she would handle inquiries from clients interested in high-profile destinations despite having no clients of her own at the time.
Now, after 16 years, India’s strategy has proven successful. She has built a clientele that includes prominent figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey, catering to individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million. Her approach centers on providing personalized service that transcends what her affluent clients could achieve without her assistance.
India emphasizes that her clients often possess significant power and connections, but achieving unique travel experiences requires genuine care and understanding of their desires. Drawing from her previous experience as a server, she highlights the importance of attentiveness in delivering exceptional service.
Sienna Charles features an extensive network of over 2,000 connections within the hospitality sector, allowing India to craft distinctive travel and dining experiences. She has a knack for grasping her clients’ visions quickly and turning those ideas into reality.
Beyond merely booking exclusive venues, India prioritizes authenticity and personal enjoyment. For instance, while she has the capability to secure reservations at renowned dining spots like the French Laundry, she opts for what she perceives as more engaging experiences, such as highlighting the offerings at Single Thread Farms.
The bespoke nature of her service is evident in memorable arrangements, such as dinner in Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. In some instances, her clients desire simplicity, such as when she ensured Bush had familiar comforts during his travels.
India’s philosophy revolves around genuine care for her clients, reflecting a belief that authentic experiences, rather than just luxury, create the most memorable journeys. She actively engages with various individuals throughout her day to uncover unique opportunities that reflect her clients’ interests.