Jaclyn Sienna India, who launched her travel concierge service Sienna Charles in 2008, initially faced skepticism, including from her husband. In the early days, she would receive calls from potential clients expressing interest in travel, despite having no actual clients to serve.
Now, 16 years later, India has successfully transformed her business, attracting high-profile clients such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her clientele primarily consists of individuals earning over $100 million a year, people who often have access to everything but seek something unique.
India attributes her success to a personal touch and genuine care. Drawing from her experience as a server, she emphasizes the importance of understanding and attending to her clients’ needs. “It’s care. It’s leading from the heart,” she remarked.
Her extensive network, which includes over 2,000 relationships in the hospitality sector, allows her to curate exceptional travel experiences. Clients come to her with their visions, and India excels at translating those ideas into reality, even if she only has a few hints to start with.
While she provides access to exclusive and glamorous venues, India prioritizes genuine experiences over luxury for her clients. Notably, she has arranged extraordinary gatherings such as candlelight dinners at Versailles and brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. She also seeks to connect her clients with notable personalities, facilitating meals with influential figures like the Hermes and Fendi families.
Despite her high-profile projects, India also caters to more down-to-earth requests. For example, during Bush’s visit to Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, even arranging for local children to greet him wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
India emphasizes her commitment to providing authentic experiences. She engages with everyone she encounters, from taxi drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover the most intriguing options for her clients. “The world is not just luxury. The world is not just fancy experiences. It’s everything,” she said, reflecting her dedication to meaningful travel.