In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India launched Sienna Charles, her exclusive travel concierge service, with a determination to succeed against the odds. Initially, she faced skepticism, especially from her husband, as she would field inquiries from potential clients while having no actual clientele to speak of.
Fast forward 16 years, and the venture has flourished. India’s client list now includes notable figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her services cater to individuals earning over $100 million annually, typically those who seem to have access to everything. However, India emphasizes that the unique value she provides goes beyond mere access.
She explains, “My clients are incredibly powerful and well-connected. But what truly gets results is care and leading from the heart.” With a background as a server before entering the business world, she understands the importance of relating to people and prioritizes their needs.
Sienna Charles features an extensive network of over 2,000 relationships within the hospitality industry, spanning yachts, hotels, and high-end restaurants. This relationship-building allows her to create bespoke travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.
“My clients express their vision, but they often lack the time, tools, and creativity to make it happen,” India notes. “One of my strengths is to grasp that vision quickly and execute it effectively.”
However, her aim isn’t just to secure reservations at exclusive venues; it’s to ensure that each experience is meaningful. Despite its prestige, she isn’t an advocate for every high-profile dining destination. For instance, she cites French Laundry in Napa as overrated, preferring to endorse what she finds more intriguing, such as Single Thread Farms.
India distinguishes her service by focusing on delivering exceptional, personalized experiences, which often includes unique events. One client enjoyed a candlelit dinner at Versailles, while another had brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe.
In her work, she also intertwines meal experiences with opportunities to meet influential personalities, having organized breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Yet, sometimes her clients seek something more straightforward. When Bush visited Ethiopia, India ensured he had familiar comforts such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India states. Her approach involves interacting with a variety of individuals, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover the most engaging options for her clients. “The world is not just luxury. It’s about authentic experiences.”