Jaclyn Sienna India founded her boutique travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008, driven by the belief in “faking it until making it.” At the start, she faced skepticism, with her husband questioning her ambitions as they received inquiries about travel services when she had no actual clients.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has paid off significantly. She now counts a number of world leaders and celebrities, including former President George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, among her high-net-worth clientele, who earn over $100 million a year. This elite group often seeks experiences beyond what they can arrange themselves.
India emphasizes that her role goes beyond simple luxury; it’s about genuine care and understanding her clients’ desires. Drawing on her experience as a server, she knows how to connect with people and prioritize their needs. Her “black book” features over 2,000 contacts in the hospitality sector, allowing her to create unique travel experiences.
She focuses on fulfilling her clients’ visions, even if they don’t have the means to execute them. For example, India chooses not to promote the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant French Laundry, believing that other locales, like Single Thread Farms, offer more intriguing experiences.
Her services often include arranging extraordinary events, such as a candlelight dinner in Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. She also blends dining experiences with meetings with notable figures, having arranged breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Sometimes, her clients request simpler comforts. When Bush visited Ethiopia, India ensured he had peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, creating a familiar and personal atmosphere for him.
India’s commitment to authenticity drives her approach. She engages with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff to uncover the best options for her clients, emphasizing that travel is not just about luxury, but about meaningful and authentic experiences.