When Jaclyn Sienna India launched her luxury travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008, she adopted a “fake it until you make it” approach. At the outset, she faced skepticism from those close to her, including her husband, who couldn’t understand how she was receiving inquiries about travel when she had no clients.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has proven successful. She now counts high-profile individuals among her clientele, including former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her services cater to those with annual incomes exceeding $100 million, primarily offering experiences that such wealthy clients cannot access easily on their own.
India emphasizes that her success lies in her genuine care and understanding of her clients’ needs, rather than just the influence they hold. With five years of server experience prior to starting her business, she has a strong grasp of what makes people tick.
Sienna Charles is well-connected in the hospitality sector, boasting a “black book” of over 2,000 relationships that include access to exclusive yachts, hotels, and fine dining establishments. This extensive network facilitates unique travel and dining experiences that align with her clients’ desires.
Her clients often have a vision for what they want, but lack the resources or creativity to realize it. India excels in interpreting these aspirations and turning them into reality. However, she prioritizes quality over glamour; for instance, she does not recommend dining at California’s three-Michelin star French Laundry, instead favoring more intriguing experiences like Single Thread Farms.
India’s offerings often result in bespoke events, such as arranging a candlelit dinner in Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She also coordinates opportunities for her clients to meet influential figures, having facilitated breakfasts and lunches with notable families in the fashion industry.
At times, her clients request simpler comforts. For instance, when arranging travel for Bush in Ethiopia, India ensured he had peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer available, along with a warm local welcome from children in baseball caps.
India’s dedication to her clients goes beyond luxurious experiences; she strives to provide authentic encounters. Engaging with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff, she continuously seeks out the most interesting options to enrich her clients’ travels. For India, the essence of her service encompasses a wide range of experiences beyond mere luxury.