Jaclyn Sienna India established her luxury travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a strategy of projecting success before truly achieving it. At the time, her husband doubted her judgment when potential clients contacted her after seeing her articles, expressing interest in destinations like Disney or New Jersey, while India had no actual clientele. She often responded, claiming to be fully booked with high-net-worth clients.
Now, sixteen years later, India’s initial approach has yielded impressive results. She has built a clientele that includes influential figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. India caters to clients with annual earnings exceeding $100 million, individuals who typically have access to everything. So, what unique value does India offer?
According to India, while her clients possess significant power and connections, it is her attentiveness and emotional intelligence that truly enable her to deliver exceptional experiences. With five years of experience as a server prior to starting her business, she understands people’s needs and believes that genuine care is essential.
Sienna Charles maintains a vast network of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, encompassing everything from yachts and hotels to gourmet restaurants. This network allows India to craft tailored travel and dining experiences that meet her clients’ desires.
She explains, “My clients articulate their aspirations, but they often lack the resources, time, and creativity to bring those visions to life. I excel at grasping those visions quickly and executing them.”
However, India’s aim extends beyond simply granting access to luxurious and exclusive venues; she prioritizes the authenticity and quality of the experiences she curates. For example, while she could secure reservations at the renowned French Laundry in Napa Valley, she prefers to recommend experiences she finds more compelling, such as dining at Single Thread Farms nearby.
India emphasizes that her focus is on creating meaningful individual experiences rather than just providing high-end luxury. She has organized unique events, such as a candlelit dinner at Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She has also arranged for her clients to meet influential figures during meals, including the Hermes and Fendi families.
Occasionally, her clients’ requests are more straightforward. For instance, when Bush visited Ethiopia, she made sure he had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and he was welcomed by local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India shares. She dedicates her days to engaging with everyone from taxi drivers to restaurant staff to uncover intriguing options for her clients. “The world encompasses much more than luxury; it’s about authentic experiences, and that’s what my clients seek.”