In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India launched Sienna Charles, her boutique travel concierge service, with the determination to project confidence and success, even when starting out. Initially, she faced skepticism from her husband as she juggled inquiries from potential clients while having no real customers. India would feign being fully booked with high-net-worth individuals, despite being in the early stages of her business.
Now, sixteen years later, her strategy has proven effective. India’s client roster includes notable figures, such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. She caters exclusively to clients with annual incomes exceeding $100 million, people who typically have access to everything. So, what unique offerings does she provide that her clients can’t find elsewhere?
India emphasizes that her approach is rooted in personal connection and genuine care. Drawing from her previous experience as a server, she understands the importance of attention and empathy in her interactions. Sienna Charles boasts an extensive network of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, encompassing luxury hotels, restaurants, and yachts. This extensive network enables her to curate exceptional travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.
Her clients often communicate their goals and aspirations, and India prides herself on her ability to translate their vague ideas into reality. She believes that providing meaningful experiences is more important than simply accessing exclusive venues. For instance, while some might aspire to dine at the renowned French Laundry in Napa, India feels that experiences like those offered at Single Thread Farms nearby are far more intriguing.
Her commitment to individualized experiences often leads to one-of-a-kind events. She has organized unique dinners, such as a candlelit meal in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she enjoys combining dining experiences with meetings with renowned personalities, having arranged breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
At times, her clients seek more straightforward comforts. During one trip, she ensured that former President Bush had familiar treats like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer while in Ethiopia, where he was welcomed by local children wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
India highlights her genuine care for people as a driving force in her work. She frequently interacts with various individuals, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, in her quest to discover the most intriguing options for her clients. Her philosophy encompasses more than luxury; she prioritizes authentic and meaningful experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.