Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, her luxury travel concierge service, in 2008 with the aim of building her business from scratch. At the outset, she faced skepticism from her husband as she took calls from potential clients interested in travel, despite having no actual clients of her own. Sixteen years later, her initial approach has proven successful. Today, she counts notable figures, including former President George W. Bush and celebrity Mariah Carey, among her clientele, catering primarily to individuals with annual earnings exceeding $100 million.
India emphasizes that her value lies not in her connections but in her ability to provide personalized care and attention. Drawing from her experience as a server, she understands the importance of catering to her clients’ needs and desires. Sienna Charles boasts an extensive network in the hospitality sector, comprising over 2,000 contacts, which enables her to curate extraordinary travel and dining experiences.
She explains that her clients often have clear visions for their experiences but lack the resources to bring them to life. India has a knack for translating these visions into remarkable reality with minimal guidance. However, her service goes beyond merely securing reservations at high-profile venues; she aims to ensure that each experience is meaningful.
India is selective about the venues she endorses, feeling that some renowned establishments may not offer the most memorable experiences. For instance, she does not promote the three-Michelin-star restaurant French Laundry, believing that lesser-known spots, such as Single Thread Farms, offer more unique dining experiences.
Her focus is on personalization, creating unique events like a candlelit dinner in Versailles or a brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. At times, her clients have simpler requests, such as when she arranged for President Bush to have his favorite snacks during a trip to Ethiopia.
India remains dedicated to her clients’ needs, engaging with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff to uncover the most authentic experiences, understanding that the essence of travel is about more than just luxury; it encompasses the genuine and memorable moments that resonate with her clients.