Jaclyn Sienna India launched her luxury travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008 and was determined to succeed through sheer willpower.
Reflecting on her early days, India recalled how her husband doubted her efforts when she received calls from potential clients expressing interest in luxury trips, despite having no actual clients at the time. “I had to tell them, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, we’re really sold out this season with high-net-worth people,’” she shared.
Fast forward sixteen years, and her strategy has proven effective. Today, she serves a roster of high-profile clients, including former President George W. Bush and celebrity figures like Mariah Carey. Her clientele typically earns over $100 million annually, individuals who seemingly have access to everything. So, what does India offer that they cannot arrange for themselves?
India believes her success stems from a deep sense of care in her service. “I was a server for five years before I started my business. I understand what makes people tick. Paying attention and caring about those people is paramount,” she explained.
Sienna Charles is known for its extensive network, featuring over 2,000 connections within the hospitality sector, ranging from luxury hotels to exclusive restaurants. This network enables her to craft unique travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ desires. “They already see what they want; they just don’t have the tools, the time, the access, and the creativity to fulfill that,” she noted.
While India prioritizes her clients’ individual experiences over mere luxury, she has been known to create extraordinary events. From organizing a candlelit dinner in Versailles to arranging brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe, her services often result in unforgettable memories.
India also emphasizes the importance of genuine interactions and connections, sharing experiences that merge dining with meeting influential personalities, such as breakfasts with the Hermes family or lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Sometimes, however, her services cater to more grounded needs. When President Bush visited Ethiopia, she ensured he had his favorite comforts—peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer—while also arranging for dozens of local children donning Texas Rangers caps to greet him.
In essence, India believes her role transcends luxurious arrangements; it’s about creating authentic experiences. She engages with everyone, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover the most unique offerings for her clients. “The world is not just luxury. The world is not just fancy experiences. It’s everything, and my clients want authentic experiences,” she affirmed.