Jaclyn Sienna India, the founder of Sienna Charles, a luxury travel concierge service, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2008 with a resolve to “fake it until you make it.” Initially, she faced skepticism, including from her husband, as she answered calls about travel inquiries like trips to Disney or weekends in New Jersey, despite having no clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, India has transformed her initial difficulties into a thriving business, attracting a high-profile clientele that includes former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her exclusive services cater to individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million, yet she emphasizes that it is not mere luxury that distinguishes her offerings.
India believes that true value lies in personalized attention and empathy. With a background as a server for five years, she understands the significance of emotional connections in fulfilling her clients’ desires. She has cultivated an extensive network, or “black book,” of over 2000 relationships within the hospitality sector, which enables her to leverage unique experiences that go beyond what her clients could achieve on their own.
She listens closely to her clients to grasp their aspirations, believing that they often lack the necessary tools or creativity to realize their visions. India meticulously curates exclusive encounters, aiming not just for luxury, but for authentic and meaningful experiences. For example, she prefers to offer unique dining experiences, favoring establishments like Single Thread Farms in California over more conventional options like French Laundry, which she finds less exciting.
Among her standout arrangements are extraordinary events such as a candlelight dinner in Versailles and brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she has orchestrated personal meetings with influential families, such as breakfast with the Hermes family and lunch with the Fendi family in Rome.
Sometimes, her clients seek comforts of home, as demonstrated when she ensured that George W. Bush found familiar foods during his travels. She has a genuine investment in the well-being of those she serves, spending her days engaging with various people to discover the best experiences available. India encapsulates her philosophy by stating, “The world is not just luxury. The world is not just fancy experiences. It’s everything, and my clients want authentic experiences.”
In summary, Jaclyn Sienna India’s journey from a startup with no clients to a leading figure in luxury travel highlights the importance of perseverance, empathy, and building relationships. Her approach not only satisfies the high expectations of her elite clientele but also offers a refreshing emphasis on meaningful, genuine experiences. This story serves as an inspiring reminder that success often comes from understanding and valuing the people we serve.