When Jaclyn Sienna India launched her travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008, she set out with a bold approach of projecting confidence despite the challenges. At the start, she would receive inquiries from prospective clients expressing interest based on her articles, even though she had no actual clients to speak of. India recalls how her husband doubted her ambitions, as she would respond to potential customers with excuses about being fully booked.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has proven successful. She now serves an elite clientele, including former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey, focusing on high-net-worth individuals who earn over $100 million annually. This clientele often already possesses substantial resources, so what unique offering does India provide?
India points out that while her clients may hold significant power and connections, her focus is on genuine care and understanding their needs. With a background as a server, she recognizes the importance of personal attention and empathy in catering to her clients’ desires.
Sienna Charles features an extensive network of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, enabling her to curate exceptional travel and dining experiences. She emphasizes her ability to grasp her clients’ visions quickly, helping to fulfill their desires with creativity and exclusivity.
While India acknowledges the high-profile venues available to her clients, she prioritizes meaningful experiences over mere luxury. For instance, she prefers recommending unique dining spots, such as Single Thread Farms in California, over more well-known but less intriguing alternatives like French Laundry.
Her commitment to crafting singular experiences has led to remarkable events, such as arranging a candlelight dinner in Versailles and a brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, India often arranges meals with prominent figures, like the Hermes and Fendi families.
However, sometimes her clients seek simpler comforts. During Bush’s visit to Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar snacks, such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children donning Texas Rangers caps.
India’s dedication to her clients encompasses a broader perspective on experiences, believing that authenticity matters as much as luxury. She engages with everyone around her, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover genuine and interesting options for her clients, highlighting that the world offers more than just extravagant experiences.