Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, her luxury travel concierge service, in 2008 with the intention of building her reputation from the ground up. At the time, she faced skepticism from others, including her husband, during her initial struggle to attract clients. She recalls receiving inquiries about travel plans while her business had no customers to fulfill those requests.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s persistence has paid off. She now serves a distinguished clientele, including prominent figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her clients typically have annual incomes exceeding $100 million and possess the means to organize their own travel. So, what sets India apart?
India emphasizes the importance of genuine care in her approach. Drawing on her experience as a server for five years prior to starting her business, she understands what clients desire. She believes that building relationships is key to her success, having developed a network of over 2,000 contacts in the hospitality industry, from yachts to high-end restaurants. This extensive network allows her to craft unique travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ needs.
Her clients come to her with specific visions for their trips, but often lack the connections and creativity to realize them. India prides herself on her ability to comprehend those visions quickly and deliver exceptional experiences. However, her aim goes beyond merely accessing luxurious destinations; she prioritizes ensuring that her clients’ experiences are genuinely meaningful.
For instance, she shares her opinion on popular dining spots, suggesting alternatives that she finds more interesting. She has orchestrated exclusive events such as a candlelit dinner in Versailles and brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, India combines meals with meetings involving notable personalities, arranging breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Sometimes, her clients’ requests are more down-to-earth. For example, during former President Bush’s visit to Ethiopia, India made sure he had his favorite comforts, such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and arranged for children to greet him wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
India’s commitment to her clients is clear, as she engages with everyone from taxi drivers to restaurant staff to uncover the best options for meaningful experiences. She believes that luxury is just one part of the travel landscape, and her clients crave authentic, multifaceted experiences that bring them closer to the world around them.