When Jaclyn Sienna India launched her luxury travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008, she was committed to “faking it until making it.” Initially, she faced skepticism, including from her husband, as she would receive inquiries from potential clients who had seen articles about her services, despite not having any actual clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s determination has led her to build a clientele that includes former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her services cater exclusively to individuals with an annual income exceeding $100 million, offering them unique travel experiences that go beyond what they can arrange for themselves.
India emphasizes that her success lies in genuinely caring for her clients. Drawing from her background as a server, she understands the nuances of customer service. She has cultivated a network of over 2,000 connections within the hospitality industry, allowing her to create bespoke travel and dining experiences.
Her approach is not just about securing reservations at the trendiest spots but ensuring that her clients have meaningful encounters. For instance, she opts not to promote the three-Michelin star restaurant French Laundry, believing that other venues, like Single Thread Farms, offer more intriguing experiences.
India has curated exceptional events for her clients, such as private dinners in Versailles and brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. She also arranges networking opportunities with influential figures, having organized meals with members of the Hermes and Fendi families.
At times, her clients’ needs are more down-to-earth; during a trip to Ethiopia, she made sure Bush had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and he was welcomed by local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
Ultimately, India believes that meaningful, authentic experiences matter more than luxurious ones. She invests time in building relationships with everyone around her, from taxi drivers to restaurant staff, to seek out the most interesting options for her clients.