Jaclyn Sienna India launched Sienna Charles, her travel concierge service, in 2008 with a strategy of projecting success even before she had clients. In the early days, she faced skepticism from her husband as she took calls from potential clients looking for travel advice without actually having any clientele at the time.
Now, more than a decade later, her perseverance has paid off, attracting high-profile clients including former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Sienna Charles caters exclusively to individuals with annual earnings exceeding $100 million, providing experiences beyond what these affluent clients could arrange for themselves.
India believes the key to her success is her ability to empathize and connect with her clients. Drawing from her past experience as a server, she emphasizes the importance of care and understanding in catering to her clients’ needs. She has built an extensive network within the hospitality sector, boasting a “black book” of over 2,000 contacts, which she leverages to create personalized travel and dining experiences.
Her approach involves listening closely to her clients’ visions and transforming them into reality, often with minimal input. She strives to offer not just the most luxurious options but truly meaningful experiences tailored to individual preferences. For instance, she prefers promoting unique dining venues over well-known establishments, believing that lesser-known options may offer more intriguing experiences.
India has orchestrated extraordinary events for her clients, such as a candlelit dinner in Versailles and brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. She has also facilitated encounters with notable personalities, like brunches with the Hermes and Fendi families.
Additionally, she understands that sometimes her clients’ desires are simpler, like ensuring former President Bush had his favorite peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer while in Ethiopia, along with a warm welcome from local children.
Ultimately, India’s commitment to providing authentic and memorable experiences reflects her belief that luxury isn’t solely defined by opulence but can also encompass genuine moments and connections.