In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, a boutique travel concierge, with the ambition of succeeding despite starting from scratch. Initially, she faced skepticism from her husband, as they frequently received inquiries from potential clients referencing her articles, while she struggled to find actual clients. “I apologized, saying, ‘we’re so busy, we’re really sold out this season with high-net-worth people,’ but I had no clients,” she recalled.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s perseverance has paid off. She now serves high-profile clients, including world leaders and celebrities, with annual earnings exceeding $100 million. So, what does she offer that these wealthy individuals can’t attain on their own?
India emphasizes the importance of genuine care and connection. Having worked as a server for five years before launching her business, she understands what people value. “Paying attention and caring about those people is paramount,” she stated.
Her business maintains an extensive network of over 2000 relationships in the hospitality sector, including yachts, hotels, and fine dining establishments. This network enables her to create unique travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ needs. “They already see what they want to achieve, but they don’t have the tools, time, access, and creativity to fulfill that,” she explained. India prides herself on grasping her clients’ visions quickly and delivering exceptional experiences.
India’s priority isn’t merely about providing access to the most luxurious venues; she aims to ensure her clients have genuinely worthwhile experiences. For instance, she doesn’t promote the well-known French Laundry restaurant, believing that alternative options, like Single Thread Farms nearby, offer more excitement.
Her offerings often include unique experiences. For example, she organized a candlelit dinner in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she arranges meals with notable personalities, such as breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
In some cases, her clients desire simpler comforts. When former President George W. Bush visited Ethiopia, she made sure he had his favorite snacks, including peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and was greeted by local children wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
Ultimately, India emphasizes her commitment to authenticity. She seeks interesting experiences for her clients by engaging with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff. “The world is not just luxury. It’s everything, and my clients want authentic experiences,” she concluded.