When Jaclyn Sienna India established her travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008, she aimed to project confidence despite lacking clients. In her early days, she would receive inquiries from potential clients interested in glamorous trips, but she had to tell them her services were fully booked, a claim that was far from the truth.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has paid off, as she now counts numerous high-profile clients among her patrons, including former President George W. Bush and celebrity figures like Mariah Carey. Her clientele comprises individuals with annual earnings surpassing $100 million, who are accustomed to luxurious resources. So, what unique value does India offer to these already successful clients?
According to India, beyond their wealth and influence, her clients often lack the personal touch and care that she provides. Drawing on her past experience as a server, she emphasizes the importance of understanding personal needs. “Paying attention and caring about those people is paramount,” she said.
India has developed a robust network, boasting over 2,000 relationships within the hospitality sector, including luxury hotels, yachts, and fine dining establishments. This network empowers her to craft bespoke travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.
Her approach hinges on capturing the essence of what her clients aim to accomplish, often translating their ideas into actionable plans. “One of my gifts has been understanding that vision with only a few words, and then delivering that to them,” she remarked.
However, India’s services are not merely about gaining access to exclusive venues. She is equally committed to ensuring that her clients’ experiences are meaningful. For instance, while the three-Michelin-star French Laundry in Napa is a coveted destination, India believes it lacks excitement, opting instead to recommend the more innovative offerings at Single Thread Farms nearby.
Her efforts often result in extraordinary experiences for her clients. She has arranged intimate dinners in regal settings like Versailles and unique brunches atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she makes dining experiences more memorable by integrating opportunities to meet influential personalities, arranging breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
At times, however, simplicity is key. For example, when Bush visited Ethiopia, India ensured he had familiar comforts by providing peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, as well as orchestrating a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
India emphasizes her genuine care for her clients, explaining that she engages with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff to discover the most interesting options available. She believes the world offers more than just luxury; it is rich with authentic experiences that resonate with her clients’ desires.