In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, a boutique travel concierge service, with the mindset of “fake it until you make it.” Initially, she faced skepticism, particularly from her husband, as she handled inquiries from potential clients while having no actual customers at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has proven successful. Her client roster now includes prominent figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Sienna Charles caters to high-net-worth individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million and offers services that go beyond what her clients could arrange themselves.
India emphasizes that her unique approach comes from genuine care and understanding of what her clients desire. Drawing from her background as a server, she prioritizes the personal touch and meaningful connections. Her extensive “black book” features over 2,000 contacts in the hospitality sector, enabling her to craft distinctive travel and dining experiences.
Clients articulate their goals to India, who excels at interpreting their visions and translating them into reality. Despite her focus on luxury, she strives for authentic and memorable experiences. For example, she prefers suggesting less conventional dining venues over Michelin-starred establishments when she believes the alternative offers a richer experience.
Whether arranging a candlelight dinner at Versailles or securing brunch on the Arc de Triomphe, India curates events that reflect her clients’ desires. She also ensures that her clients have access to unique encounters, such as meals with influential personalities.
At times, the requests are simpler. For instance, when Bush visited Ethiopia, she made sure he had his favorite comforts, like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer. Her dedication to genuine experiences drives her to connect with people from all walks of life to discover the best options for her clients, reinforcing her belief that authentic experiences encompass more than just luxury.