Jaclyn Sienna India launched her travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a bold ambition to succeed despite having no clients initially. Through a strategy of feigning a busy schedule, she attracted inquiries from potential clients who had seen her work. At that time, her husband questioned her choices, as they would receive calls from individuals seeking travel arrangements to popular destinations like Disney or New Jersey, while she had no actual clients to service.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s gamble has paid off remarkably. She now serves an exclusive clientele that includes international leaders and high-profile celebrities, all of whom earn over $100 million annually. Her success raises the question of what unique value she offers to individuals who seemingly have access to everything they desire.
According to India, the key lies in genuine care and emotional connection. She believes that simply having extensive networks, as her powerful clients do, doesn’t guarantee successful outcomes. Having spent five years in the service industry before starting her business, India understands the nuances of customer satisfaction. She emphasizes the importance of attentiveness and empathy in her dealings with clients.
Sienna Charles is backed by a vast network, with over 2,000 contacts across top-tier hotels, restaurants, and yacht services. This relational approach allows her to craft distinctive travel experiences tailored to her clients’ desires. She explains that her role involves grasping her clients’ visions and transforming them into reality, often with minimal direction.
India’s aim is not just to secure access to elite venues but to provide enriching experiences. For example, she has opted to bypass well-known fine dining spots like the French Laundry in favor of more innovative culinary adventures, such as those offered at Single Thread Farms.
Her bespoke services often lead to extraordinary events, such as arranging a candlelit dinner in Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. India also integrates personal encounters with influential figures into her arrangements, including breakfasts with the Hermes family or lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
However, she recognizes that sometimes her clients appreciate simpler comforts. For instance, when former President George W. Bush visited Ethiopia, India ensured he had access to familiar items like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and he was welcomed by local children sporting Texas Rangers caps.
India’s dedication to her clients is clear; she believes that luxury is just one aspect of what people seek. By immersing herself in the experiences and stories of those around her, she curates authentic moments that resonate deeply, reinforcing the idea that meaningful experiences extend beyond just opulence.