Jaclyn Sienna India founded her luxury travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with the ambitious motto of “fake it until you make it.” Initially, she faced skepticism from her husband as she fielded calls from potential clients interested in trips to destinations like Disney, despite not having any actual clients at the time.
Fast forward to today, and India’s strategy has proven successful. She now counts multiple world leaders, including former U.S. President George W. Bush, and celebrities like Mariah Carey among her clientele. Her focus is on serving individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million, who typically have access to everything they could desire. What sets India apart is her ability to provide services that extend beyond mere logistics.
India emphasizes the importance of genuine care and emotional connection. Drawing from her experience as a server, she understands the nuances of hospitality and what makes people tick. Her extensive network in the industry—over 2,000 connections across hotels, yachting, and fine dining—enables her to curate unique travel experiences.
Client interactions often reveal specific aspirations that may be beyond their reach due to lack of time or resources. India prides herself on translating her clients’ visions into reality. For her, it’s not just about securing reservations at trendy spots; it’s about ensuring that every experience is worthwhile.
She critiques popular establishments like the three-Michelin-star French Laundry in Napa, stating that she finds places like Single Thread Farms more exciting and authentic. Instead of simply providing access to exclusive venues, India focuses on personalizing experiences that resonate with her clients.
Notable arrangements have included a candlelight dinner in Versailles and brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. She also finds ways to incorporate meetings with influential figures, such as hosting breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Sometimes, her clients’ requests are more down-to-earth. During a trip to Ethiopia, she ensured President Bush had access to familiar comforts such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and arranged for a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers hats.
India’s commitment to her clients stems from her genuine care for people. She actively engages with everyone around her, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to discover the best authentic experiences the world has to offer. Luxury, according to her, is not just about opulence; it’s about creating meaningful memories.