Jaclyn Sienna India launched her luxury travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a strategy of “faking it until you make it.” At the start, she faced skepticism, even from her husband, as she frequently found herself responding to inquiries about travel plans without having any actual clients. Despite this initial challenge, the strategy eventually paid off.
Today, India serves high-profile clientele, including former President George W. Bush and singer Mariah Carey, who make over $100 million annually. Her services cater to individuals who seem to have everything, but India believes her unique offerings distinguish her in the industry.
She emphasizes that her success hinges on genuine care and attention, drawing from her five-year experience as a server. India has cultivated a vast network, referred to as her “black book,” containing over 2,000 connections across the hospitality sector, which allows her to create exceptional travel experiences.
Her role often involves interpreting her clients’ visions and translating them into unforgettable experiences, even if those desires may not stem from the world’s most glamorous options. For instance, she opts not to recommend high-profile restaurants if she believes other experiences will deliver more value.
India’s arrangements include remarkable events, such as a candlelit dinner in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Unlike traditional luxury offerings, she focuses on authenticity, sometimes pairing exclusive meals with encounters with notable personalities, like the Hermes and Fendi families.
Her attention to detail even extends to catering to simple comforts. For instance, when Bush visited Ethiopia, she ensured he had peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer readily available.
India’s approach hinges on the belief that genuine experiences matter as much, if not more, than luxury. By engaging with a wide array of individuals in her daily life, she aims to provide her clients with enriching and authentic experiences that go beyond the typical luxury narrative.