When Jaclyn Sienna India founded her travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008, she embraced the idea of “fake it until you make it.” Initially, she received inquiries from potential clients interested in her services while, in reality, she had no clientele at all. Her husband even questioned her judgment when calls came in from individuals expressing interest in extravagant trips, to which she would respond that her services were fully booked with high-net-worth clients.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has proven successful. Today, her clientele includes prominent figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrity Mariah Carey. She focuses on serving clients with annual earnings exceeding $100 million, individuals who seemingly have it all. Yet, India’s services go beyond what her wealthy clients can manage alone.
India emphasizes the importance of genuine care in her business approach. Having worked as a server for five years, she understands the nuances of customer service and builds meaningful connections. Her extensive network, comprising over 2,000 relationships with industry professionals in luxury hospitality, allows her to create tailored travel and dining experiences.
She describes her role as someone who grasps her clients’ visions with briefly stated ideas, delivering experiences that fulfill those aspirations. Rather than merely booking luxury venues, India prioritizes ensuring that her clients have enriching experiences. For instance, while she can arrange access to high-profile restaurants like French Laundry, she believes alternative dining options, such as Single Thread Farms, offer more exciting experiences.
India’s unique offerings often include exclusive events, such as a candlelight dinner at Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. She also integrates personal encounters with influential figures, having organized meals with the Hermes and Fendi families.
However, her services can also cater to simple comforts. When President Bush visited Ethiopia, India ensured he had familiar comforts such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
Her commitment to understanding her clients leads to a wide range of experiences that transcend luxury. India communicates with everyone from taxi drivers to restaurant staff to uncover authentic options that appeal to her clients’ interests. She believes in offering a holistic view of the world, where meaningful and genuine experiences hold just as much value as opulence.