When Jaclyn Sienna India started Sienna Charles, her exclusive travel concierge service, in 2008, she initially faced skepticism, even from her husband. Her venture began with no clients, yet she confidently claimed to be fully booked with high-net-worth individuals. Over the past sixteen years, her persistence has borne fruit as she now caters to an impressive clientele that includes world leaders like former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey.
Targeting individuals with annual earnings exceeding $100 million, India’s approach focuses on providing unique experiences that her clients cannot create for themselves. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in her line of work, drawing from her five years of experience as a server to connect with clients on a personal level.
Sienna Charles boasts an extensive network of over 2,000 connections within the hospitality sector, allowing India to offer exclusive travel and dining arrangements. She interprets her clients’ visions, often transforming vague ideas into extraordinary experiences.
India asserts that her goal transcends merely securing reservations at high-end venues. Instead, she aims to ensure that the experiences are meaningful and memorable. For instance, she prefers to highlight more intriguing dining options over well-known establishments, citing that she finds Single Thread Farms in California more captivating than the renowned French Laundry.
Her services have led to remarkable moments, such as arranging a candlelight dinner at Versailles and brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. India often combines dining experiences with opportunities to meet notable figures, having organized breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Additionally, she recognizes that her clients sometimes seek simpler comforts, as illustrated when she prepared for President Bush’s trip to Ethiopia by providing peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, ensuring he felt at home amidst the trip’s grandeur.
Ultimately, India highlights that her passion stems from a genuine care for people. She believes in creating authentic experiences for her clients by engaging with everyone from drivers to restaurant staff, indicating that luxury is merely one facet of the diverse experiences she aims to provide.