When Jaclyn Sienna India established her boutique travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008, she was determined to create a successful business despite starting from scratch.
Initially facing skepticism, including from her husband, who found it hard to believe her claims of being busy with wealthy clients while she had none, India managed to maintain an image of success. Today, after sixteen years, her approach has proven successful, as she now serves high-profile clients including former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her focus is on catering to individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million.
India emphasizes the unique value she provides beyond just access to luxury experiences. “My clients are more powerful than me and know many people, but it’s care and leading from the heart that truly gets things done,” she noted. With a background as a server, she understands the nuances of hospitality and values attention and care for her clients.
Sienna Charles has an extensive network of over 2,000 relationships within the hospitality sector, which allows India to craft unique travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ desires. She describes her ability to grasp and realize her clients’ visions with minimal communication as one of her key strengths.
While she often provides exclusive access to high-end venues, India aims to ensure that her clients have genuinely enriching experiences. For instance, she prefers Single Thread Farms over the well-known French Laundry restaurant due to its more compelling offerings.
Her services frequently involve organizing remarkable events. Past experiences include a candlelight dinner at Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. India also arranges personal interactions with influential figures, such as meals with the Hermes and Fendi families.
However, she recognizes that some client needs are simpler. When Bush traveled to Ethiopia, she made sure he had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, while also providing a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
India underscores her genuine care for people, stating that her daily interactions with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff help her discover the most interesting options for her clients. “The world is not just luxury; it’s about authentic experiences,” she concluded.