Jaclyn Sienna India launched her boutique travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a determination to “fake it until I make it.” At the time, she had no clients despite receiving inquiries from people who had come across her articles.
Fast forward sixteen years, and her strategy has proven successful. India now serves an elite clientele, including world leaders like former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Her services cater to individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million, who typically have access to everything yet seek unique experiences.
India explains that her approach goes beyond mere connections. She highlights the importance of genuine care and relationship-building, underscoring her five years of experience as a server, which helped her understand what makes people tick. Her extensive network includes over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality industry, allowing her to craft exceptional travel and dining experiences.
Rather than merely focusing on high-profile venues, India’s mission is to ensure that her clients’ experiences are fulfilling. For instance, while she could easily arrange reservations at French Laundry, she prefers to offer what she finds more exciting, such as Single Thread Farms nearby.
Her offerings often include one-of-a-kind events, like a candlelit dinner in Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. India emphasizes the importance of blending exclusive meals with opportunities to meet influential individuals and has orchestrated gatherings with the Hermes and Fendi families.
Sometimes, her clients’ desires are more straightforward. When serving Bush on a trip to Ethiopia, she made sure he had peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and was welcomed by local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
India expresses her genuine concern for her clients, stating that her daily conversations with various people, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, help her uncover the most engaging options. She believes that life is not solely about luxury but about seeking authentic experiences, which resonates with her discerning clientele.