Jaclyn Sienna India, the founder of the travel concierge service Sienna Charles, established her boutique in 2008 with a commitment to creating a successful business from scratch. Initially, she faced skepticism from her husband as she fielded calls from potential clients eager to visit popular destinations like Disney or New Jersey, despite not having any actual clients at the time. She often had to claim that her services were fully booked with high-net-worth individuals.
Fast forward sixteen years, India’s perseverance has paid off significantly. Her clientele now includes prominent figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey, with services tailored for those earning over $100 million a year. What sets India apart is her focus on the personal touch in her services, emphasizing the importance of care and understanding in the high-stakes world of luxury.
India has cultivated a vast network, referred to as her “black book,” containing over 2,000 contacts in the hospitality sector, covering everything from luxury yachts to upscale restaurants. This extensive network enables her to craft unique travel and dining experiences that are often inaccessible to her affluent clients.
“My clients can envision their desires but often lack the tools and time to achieve them,” India noted. “One of my strengths is grasping their visions with minimal information and bringing them to life.”
Moreover, her goal extends beyond merely securing reservations at high-end venues. India seeks to provide meaningful experiences that resonate with her clients. For instance, she appreciates personalized offerings over trendy options, showing her preference for unique culinary experiences, like dining at Single Thread Farms instead of the more famous French Laundry.
India often creates extraordinary events, such as a candlelit dinner at Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She also integrates notable interactions into her services, arranging meals with influential families like the Hermes and Fendi clans.
At times, her clients’ needs are more straightforward. For Bush’s trip to Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comfort foods, such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, while also organizing a heartwarming welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers hats.
“I genuinely care about people,” India expresses, highlighting her daily interactions with everyone from transportation drivers to restaurant staff in her quest for authentic experiences. She strives to deliver not only luxury but also genuine moments that leave a lasting impact on her clients.