Jaclyn Sienna India launched her travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a vision to build her business from the ground up. Initially, she faced skepticism, even from her husband, as she often spoke to potential clients about exclusive travel options despite not having any customers at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, her determination has paid off. Today, India serves high-profile clients including former President George W. Bush and celebrity talents like Mariah Carey. Each of her clients generates over $100 million annually, and they often seek unique experiences that they can’t easily access themselves.
India believes that her success comes from her genuine care and understanding of her clients’ needs. With five years of experience as a server, she has honed her skills in relationship-building, which she terms essential for her business. Her extensive connections in the hospitality industry—comprising over 2,000 contacts in hotels, yachts, and elite restaurants—allow her to craft bespoke experiences for her clientele.
She emphasizes that while her clients are powerful individuals, her role is to understand and fulfill their visions. India mentions that her insights often come from brief conversations, which she turns into tailored travel plans. Her services go beyond simply providing access to luxury; she focuses on creating meaningful and memorable experiences. For example, while some may rave about dining at the famed French Laundry, India feels that other options, like Single Thread Farms, offer more exciting experiences.
Her offerings often include once-in-a-lifetime events, such as arranging a candlelight dinner at the Palace of Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. India also integrates personal interactions with notable figures into her travel plans, facilitating breakfasts with members of the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
At times, the desires of her clients can be simpler, as noted during Bush’s trip to Ethiopia where she ensured he had familiar comforts, like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, alongside local experiences. India dedicates her days to forming connections with various individuals, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to provide her clients with authentic and enriching experiences that go beyond mere luxury.