When Jaclyn Sienna India launched her travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008, she aimed to project confidence and success, despite starting out without any clients.
Initially, India faced skepticism, particularly from her husband, as she took calls from potential clients excited about trips to destinations like Disney or New Jersey. She would respond, claiming to be fully booked with high-net-worth individuals, although she had no clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has paid off. She now serves a high-profile clientele that includes several world leaders and celebrities, such as Mariah Carey. Her services cater to clients who earn over $100 million annually, individuals who are already accustomed to luxury.
India believes her success lies in her personal touch. Although her clients are powerful and connected, she emphasizes the importance of care and understanding in her work. Drawing from her experience as a server before starting her business, she values the ability to empathize with others and address their needs.
Sienna Charles is backed by a network of over 2,000 connections in the hospitality sector, enabling India to craft unique travel and dining experiences. She listens closely to her clients, grasping their visions and translating them into tangible plans, even if those plans are unconventional.
India prioritizes authenticity over exclusivity; for instance, she doesn’t promote the three-Michelin-star restaurant French Laundry, believing that other dining experiences, like Single Thread Farms, offer more value.
Her clients often seek bespoke experiences. Past arrangements include a candlelit dinner at Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. India also facilitates encounters with influential figures, having organized meals with the Hermes and Fendi families.
At times, her clients prefer more familiar comforts, as was the case when former President George W. Bush visited Ethiopia. India ensured he felt at home with Texas-based treats like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children.
India’s philosophy centers on genuine care and a commitment to identifying authentic experiences, blending luxury with individuality to meet her clients’ varied needs. She engages with everyone around her to uncover the most interesting options for her clientele, believing that the world offers more than just opulence—it offers depth and authenticity.