Jaclyn Sienna India, founder of Sienna Charles, a boutique travel concierge established in 2008, initially faced skepticism from her husband as she began her journey in the luxury travel industry. At the time, she fielded requests for vacations to popular destinations despite having no clients, claiming her services were fully booked for high-net-worth individuals.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy of “faking it until making it” has yielded impressive results. Today, her clientele includes high-profile figures such as former President George W. Bush and music star Mariah Carey, catering to individuals generating over $100 million annually.
India emphasizes that her success is rooted in genuine care and understanding of her clients’ needs, rather than just access to exclusive venues. Drawing on her background as a server, she focuses on personal connections and attentive service. She boasts a vast network of over 2,000 contacts in the hospitality sector, including luxury hotels, yachts, and top-tier restaurants.
Her unique approach involves capturing her clients’ visions and transforming them into memorable experiences. For instance, India opts not to promote famed dining locations such as the French Laundry, suggesting alternatives that she believes offer more intriguing experiences.
Her services often include extraordinary events, like organizing a candlelit dinner at Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she facilitates encounters with influential figures, such as arranging meals with the Hermes and Fendi families.
In some cases, her clients’ requests are simpler, as exemplified when she ensured that President Bush had favorite comforts during his trip to Ethiopia. India emphasizes her commitment to genuine experiences, stating that her day involves engaging with a wide array of people to uncover unique options beyond just luxury offerings, ultimately delivering authentic and tailored experiences for her clients.