In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India launched Sienna Charles, her boutique travel concierge service, with a resolve to succeed despite initial challenges. Reflecting on her early days, she recalls instances where potential clients called seeking assistance for trips to popular destinations like Disney or New Jersey, but she had to feign a busy schedule, stating she was fully booked with high-net-worth clients, despite having no actual clientele at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, India’s strategy of perseverance has borne fruit. She now caters to a high-profile roster that includes multiple world leaders, such as former President George W. Bush, and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her clientele consists of individuals with annual earnings exceeding $100 million, who often have access to everything. So, what unique offerings does India provide?
She emphasizes that her strength lies in genuine care and emotional intelligence. “My clients are way more powerful than me; they know so many people. But that’s not what gets things done. It’s care. It’s leading from the heart,” India explains, drawing from her experience as a server for five years before starting her venture, which helped her understand what drives people.
Sienna Charles features an extensive network, boasting over 2,000 personal contacts in the hospitality sector, incorporating luxury yachts, hotels, and fine dining. This relationship-building allows her to create tailored travel and dining experiences for her clients. “They already know what they want to achieve; they just don’t have the tools, time, access, and creativity to fulfill that,” she states, highlighting her knack for interpreting her clients’ desires and delivering what they envision.
However, India’s commitment goes beyond merely securing exclusive reservations; she aims to ensure her clients have meaningful experiences. For instance, she believes that high-profile restaurants like the Michelin-starred French Laundry may not always provide the excitement her clients seek, which leads her to recommend alternative dining options that offer a more intriguing experience.
India is known for crafting extraordinary events, such as arranging a candlelight dinner at Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she orchestrates gatherings with notable figures; her clients have enjoyed meals with the Hermes family and had lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Sometimes, her clients’ requests lean toward the more familiar. When Bush visited Ethiopia, she made sure he had comforting foods like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and arranged for him to be welcomed by children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India shares, explaining that her day involves interactions with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff, all in pursuit of unique and authentic experiences for her clients. She emphasizes that true luxury encompasses more than just glamorous pursuits; it includes capturing genuine moments and connections.