Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, her boutique travel concierge service, in 2008, with a strong resolve to navigate the industry despite having no clients at the start. Initially, her husband doubted her ambitions as she handled inquiries from potential clients who mistakenly believed she was already busy with high-net-worth individuals.
Fast forward sixteen years, India has successfully built a client roster that includes notable figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her clientele typically consists of individuals earning over $100 million annually, who are accustomed to having everything available to them. So, what unique services does India offer that her clients can’t arrange themselves?
India believes that the key to her success lies in providing genuine care and understanding. Her previous experience as a server has equipped her with insights into what makes people tick, which she views as essential in her line of work. She emphasizes that while her clients may hold significant power and connections, it is the attentive service that truly makes a difference.
Sienna Charles boasts an extensive network within the hospitality sector, comprising over 2,000 contacts across luxury hotels, yachts, and restaurants. Her ability to cultivate these relationships allows her to craft distinctive travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ needs.
She highlights that her clients often envision their desires clearly but may lack the means or creativity to realize them. India takes pride in her talent for capturing her clients’ visions and translating them into reality.
Her aim extends beyond merely offering exclusive venues; she is committed to ensuring that every experience is meaningful. For instance, she has opted not to promote the renowned French Laundry restaurant, deeming it less exciting than other culinary experiences available, such as the offerings at Single Thread Farms.
India often curates one-of-a-kind events for her clients, like organizing a candlelight dinner in Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She also facilitates opportunities for her clients to meet influential figures, having arranged meals with notable families, including the Hermes and Fendi families.
At times, her clients’ requests are more straightforward. For example, when Bush visited Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer and coordinated a welcome from local children adorned in Texas Rangers caps.
India’s philosophy centers around a genuine care for people, spending her days engaging with everyone from drivers to restaurant staff to unearth the most intriguing options for her clients. Her approach reflects a belief that the spectrum of experiences should encompass more than just luxury; it should also include authentic and meaningful interactions.