Jaclyn Sienna India established her luxury travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a determination to thrive despite initial challenges. In the early days, she often fielded calls from potential clients interested in travel, all while having no real clientele to speak of. India creatively managed to convince inquiring customers that her services were fully booked, laying the groundwork for her future success.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India now caters to a prestigious roster of clients, including multiple world leaders and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Her clientele typically includes individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million, individuals who seemingly have access to everything. However, India offers something unique that these affluent clients can’t procure on their own.
India attributes her success to genuine care and a personal touch, stemming from her prior experience as a server. She believes that understanding and attending to her clients’ needs is crucial. Sienna Charles possesses an extensive network of over 2000 contacts within the hospitality sector, enabling India to create bespoke travel and dining experiences for her clients.
Her approach centers on grasping what her clients envision and translating that into reality. India emphasizes that her goal is not merely to provide access to exclusive venues but to ensure that the experiences are truly fulfilling. For instance, she is not inclined to recommend the famous French Laundry restaurant, deeming it less appealing than lesser-known places like Single Thread Farms.
Her focus on personalized experiences often leads to unique and memorable events, such as candlelight dinners at Versailles and brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, India often blends extraordinary meals with opportunities to meet influential figures, having organized breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Nonetheless, her clients sometimes seek simpler comforts. For instance, when former President George W. Bush visited Ethiopia, India made sure he had familiar items like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
India’s commitment is to offer authentic experiences beyond mere luxury. She engages with various people, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover interesting options for her clients, recognizing that authentic experiences are what truly resonate.