Jaclyn Sienna India established her boutique travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a commitment to projecting success even before it materialized. Initially, she faced skepticism, including from her husband, as she received inquiries from potential clients based on media coverage, despite having no actual clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy of ‘faking it until making it’ has proven effective. Today, her clientele includes former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey, all of whom are high-net-worth individuals earning over $100 million annually. So, what distinguishes India’s service in a landscape where her clients seemingly have access to everything?
India emphasizes the importance of genuine care in her approach. “My clients are way more powerful than me, they know so many people. But that’s not what gets things done. It’s care. It’s leading from the heart,” she states. Drawing from her five years of experience as a server, she understands the intricacies of customer service and prioritizes attentiveness and personal connection.
Sienna Charles has cultivated a vast network of over 2,000 relationships within the hospitality sector, encompassing luxury yachts, hotels, and fine dining establishments. This extensive network enables India to curate unique travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ needs. “They already see what they’re looking to achieve; they just don’t have the tools, the time, the access, and the creativity,” she explains.
While her goal is to provide unforgettable experiences, India does not chase after mere luxury. For instance, she believes that the renowned French Laundry restaurant in Napa lacks excitement compared to alternatives. “I don’t sell it,” she asserts, favoring more innovative dining options such as the experiences at Single Thread Farms.
Recognizing that each client has distinct preferences, she arranges exclusive events, such as a candlelit dinner in Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. Furthermore, she has facilitated intimate gatherings with influential figures, including meals with the Hermes and Fendi families.
However, India also understands that her clients may seek simpler comforts. When arranging a trip for Bush to Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers hats.
“My genuine care for people drives my business,” India remarks, highlighting her commitment to uncovering authentic experiences for her clients. She engages with everyone she encounters, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, believing that the essence of their travels should encompass a holistic world beyond just luxury.