Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, her boutique travel concierge service, in 2008 with a vision to succeed, despite starting from scratch. Initially, she faced skepticism, even from her husband, as she fielded calls from potential clients seeking luxury trips, while she had no actual clients to offer.
Fast forward sixteen years, India’s perseverance has paid off. She now serves high-profile clients, including former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her clientele typically boasts annual earnings exceeding $100 million, comprising individuals who seemingly have access to everything. So, what sets India apart in her offerings?
India emphasizes that while her clients wield tremendous influence and connections, transformative experiences are cultivated through genuine care and attentiveness. Drawing on her five years of experience as a server, she believes in the importance of understanding people’s desires and needs.
Sienna Charles features a vast network of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality realm, which enables India to create unparalleled travel and dining experiences. She notes that her clients often seek clarity in their visions for experiences, and part of her expertise lies in translating their ideas into reality, even with minimal direction.
Importantly, she prioritizes meaningful experiences over merely luxurious ones. For instance, she may not endorse a well-known three-Michelin-star restaurant if she finds other local offerings to be more compelling. Her goal is to curate unique events that resonate with her clients on a deeper level.
Among her memorable arrangements, India has orchestrated intimate dinners at historic venues, such as candlelight meals in Versailles, and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she facilitates encounters with influential figures, like breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Sometimes, her clients’ needs are more straightforward. When arranging travel for Bush in Ethiopia, she made sure he felt at home with familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, as well as a warm welcome from local children in Texas Rangers caps.
Ultimately, India highlights her genuine concern for people and her mission to ensure her clients experience authentic moments. Through daily interactions with various individuals—such as cab drivers and restaurant staff—she seeks out the best options for her clients, reinforcing the idea that authentic experiences exceed mere luxury.