When Jaclyn Sienna India launched Sienna Charles, her travel concierge service, in 2008, she adopted a “fake it until you make it” mindset. Initially, she faced skepticism from her husband, who found it hard to believe her claims of busy schedules filled with high-net-worth clients while she had none.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s approach has clearly paid off. She now serves high-profile clients, including several world leaders and celebrities like Mariah Carey, all of whom have fortunes exceeding $100 million. This elite clientele seeks her services, wondering what added value she can provide that they cannot achieve on their own.
India emphasizes that, while her clients may be powerful and well-connected, it is her genuine care and dedication that make the difference. Drawing on her experience as a server for five years, she understands what motivates people, believing that attention and care are crucial elements in her business.
Her firm maintains an extensive network, boasting a “black book” of over 2,000 industry contacts spanning hotels, yachts, and top-tier restaurants. This network allows India to craft exceptional travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.
Understanding her clients’ visions is a key aspect of her service; she carefully listens to their aspirations and transforms them into reality, often with minimal guidance. However, India’s focus isn’t solely on providing opulent experiences but ensuring they are meaningful and worthwhile.
For instance, she is selective about the venues she recommends. While she has access to exclusive options like The French Laundry, she prefers to suggest less commercial but more innovative experiences, such as the offerings at Single Thread Farms.
Her unique services often involve personalized touches, as seen when she arranged a candlelight dinner at Versailles or a brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. Moreover, she aims to create connections with notable figures, facilitating meals with families like Hermes and Fendi.
Sometimes, India’s clients request more straightforward comforts. For example, when former President George W. Bush visited Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts, such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, while also providing a warm welcome with local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
India’s philosophy revolves around truly caring for people, blending luxury with authenticity. She engages with everyone she encounters, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover the most interesting and genuine options for her clients, proving that authentic travel experiences transcend mere opulence.