Jaclyn Sienna India established her luxury travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008, determined to succeed despite initial challenges. In the early days, India received inquiries about travel plans she was unable to fulfill, often fabricating a busier schedule to maintain her image. Fast forward sixteen years, and her strategy has paid off, as she now counts numerous influential figures among her clientele, including former President George W. Bush and renowned singer Mariah Carey.
India primarily caters to high-net-worth individuals with annual earnings exceeding $100 million, offering them tailored experiences they can’t arrange themselves. She believes that what sets her apart is her genuine care and empathy for her clients, rooted in her previous experience as a server, which taught her the importance of understanding and connecting with people.
Sienna Charles maintains an extensive “black book” of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, allowing her to provide exclusive travel and dining experiences. India emphasizes the importance of fully understanding her clients’ desires and using her resources to bring their visions to life, often translating vague ideas into unique experiences.
Her focus lies not just in booking prestigious venues but also in ensuring meaningful experiences. For instance, she opts not to promote high-profile restaurants like French Laundry, believing alternatives such as Single Thread Farms offer more exciting dining experiences.
Her services have included extraordinary events, such as arranging a candlelight dinner in Versailles and brunch on the Arc de Triomphe, as well as opportunities for clients to mingle with notable figures, like the Hermes and Fendi families.
At times, her clients’ needs are more straightforward. For example, when Bush visited Ethiopia, she provided familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children.
India expresses a deep concern for her clients’ experiences, stating that her day often involves conversations with service workers to uncover the most authentic options available. She believes that creating genuine, heartfelt experiences transcends mere luxury, appealing to her clients’ desires for authenticity in their travels.