Jaclyn Sienna India launched her luxury travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with the mindset of faking it until she made it. Early on, she faced skepticism from her husband as she fielded inquiries from potential clients, claiming to be fully booked with high-net-worth individuals despite having no clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has paid off significantly. She now serves a high-profile clientele that includes world leaders and celebrities such as Mariah Carey, catering to individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million. But what sets her services apart in a market where her clients can typically access anything they desire?
India emphasizes the importance of personal care and heartfelt connections. Her five years of experience as a server have honed her understanding of people, allowing her to build strong relationships across the hospitality industry. Her extensive network includes over 2,000 contacts that span yachts, hotels, and upscale dining, enabling her to create unique and tailored travel experiences for her clients.
She explains that her clients often have a vision for what they want but lack the means to realize it. “One of my gifts has been understanding that vision with only a few words, and then delivering that to them,” India notes.
Her focus extends beyond merely securing reservations at exclusive venues; she prioritizes delivering authentic and rewarding experiences. For instance, she chooses not to promote well-known establishments like the French Laundry in Napa Valley, finding that other options, such as Single Thread Farms, offer more intriguing alternatives.
India often curates extraordinary events for her clients, such as arranging a candlelight dinner in Versailles or a brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. She has also set up meals with notable personalities, including breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
However, her approach isn’t limited to the extravagant. When former President George W. Bush traveled to Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts, like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, allowing him to feel at home in a foreign setting.
“I genuinely care about people,” India shares. Her day revolves around conversations with everyone she meets, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, seeking out interesting and authentic options for her clients. Her belief is that genuine experiences, rather than just luxury, are what truly resonate with those she serves.