When Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, her boutique travel concierge, in 2008, she adopted the philosophy of “fake it till you make it.” Initially, she faced skepticism, including from her husband, who found it hard to believe in her success as she received calls from people interested in travel despite not having any clients at the time.
Fast forward to today, after sixteen years of perseverance, India has cultivated a client list that includes numerous world leaders and celebrities like Mariah Carey, catering to those with annual earnings exceeding $100 million. So, what distinguishes her services for clients who seem to have access to everything?
India emphasizes that her approach involves genuine care and personalized attention. With experience as a server for five years, she understands human connections and the importance of empathy. “Paying attention and caring about those people is paramount,” she states.
Sienna Charles maintains an extensive network of over 2,000 relationships within the hospitality sector, encompassing luxury yachts, hotels, and upscale restaurants. This network allows India to craft extraordinary travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.
She articulates how her clients often have a vision of what they want but lack the time, tools, or creativity to achieve those dreams. “One of my gifts has been understanding that vision with only a few words and then delivering that to them,” she explains. However, her objective is not just to secure access to exclusive venues but to ensure that their experiences are genuinely memorable.
India mentions that she does not automatically sell the most famous venues, like the three-Michelin-star French Laundry, believing that other experiences, such as dining at Single Thread Farms, can be more intriguing. She prioritizes customized individual experiences, which may include unique arrangements like a candlelit dinner in Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe.
In her commitment to crafting memorable encounters, India has arranged meetings with notable figures for her clients, including breakfasts with the Hermès family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
At times, her clients’ requests can be quite simple. For example, when former President George W. Bush traveled to Ethiopia, India ensured he had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India reinforces, highlighting her dedication to understanding the world beyond luxury. She immerses herself in conversations with cab drivers, restaurant staff, and others to discover authentic experiences for her clientele, who seek meaningful connections and adventures.