Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Carifee.
Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I wasn’t supposed to end up here—at least, that’s what some people thought. I was just 17, still in high school, when I became a mother. Right then, the world started labeling me. “Too young,” “irresponsible,” “not going far.” But what they didn’t see was my strength, my determination, and the dreams I still carried in my heart.
Life didn’t follow a perfect script. A couple of failed marriages, abuse, homeless, and so much more left me wondering: Who am I really? But every experience shaped me. Then, everything began to shift when I met my now-husband. Together, we didn’t just fall in love—we built a life, one brick at a time. Seven years ago, we started our company, Climate Express Heating & Air, LLC, from the ground up. Today, it’s grown into a thriving business with over 20 employees and a reputation we’re proud of.
Still, something inside me kept asking a question I couldn’t ignore: What else? What more can I give?
Three years ago, I finally gave voice to a lifelong dream—to travel the world and help others do the same. That’s when Wanderlust Travel Jetsetter, LLC was born. Since then, I’ve helped countless clients plan unforgettable getaways, been honored as Best Travel Agency in New Braunfels two years in a row, and even been featured in local magazines. Every destination I explore, every family I help, it’s proof that dreams delayed are not dreams denied.
My journey has had twists and turns, but it’s made me who I am: a wife, a mother, a business owner, a believer in second chances—and a woman who turned the “labels” into a legacy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For a long time, I lived with labels. Teen mom. Troublemaker. Broken. I had my son at 17 and was married by 19. By 22, I had spiraled into a world of pain and chaos—partying, making bad choices, losing myself. I lost two years of my life to drugs, to darkness, to running from what hurt. I was arrested, raped, homeless, and at rock bottom.
But rock bottom was where I found my turning point.
I sold what I had, got on a Greyhound bus, and asked my sister for help. That was the moment I chose to fight for my life. I began piecing myself back together, slowly, painfully, but with purpose. I met a man who promised me the world—we got married, had a daughter, and for a while, I believed the future would be bright. But behind closed doors, I lived through emotional, mental, physical abuse, and cheating. The sad part? He wasn’t the first. Just the last. And what he left behind lingered longer than I could’ve imagined—especially the PTSD.
When my daughter was five, I found the courage to leave. I didn’t just walk away from him—I reclaimed myself. And when she was 13, I found the strength to forgive—not for him, but for me. That moment was everything. I realized he had no more power over me. I took it back.
The past 15 years? They’ve been a rebirth. I met the true love of my life—the man who showed me what it means to respected, safe, valued. He helped heal me and got me through my own struggles.
There’s still more of my story to tell—especially the childhood trauma—but that’s for another day. For now, I’ll say this: I’ve walked through fire, and I’ve come out on the other side shining. Not perfect. But free. And that’s more than enough.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Wanderlust Travel Jetsetter, we believe travel is more than just a vacation—it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, make memories with those you love, and explore the world with confidence. I created this business from a place of passion and purpose, turning my own lifelong dream into something that could help others.
I specialize in curated travel experiences—from luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico to European adventures, cruises, and bucket-list getaways. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a multigenerational family trip, a girls’ getaway, or a solo journey to rediscover yourself, I’m here to handle every detail.
What sets Wanderlust apart is the personal connection and care I give to each client. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter travel. I get to know my clients, their preferences, dreams, and even their “travel style” so I can build something truly unforgettable. I’m licensed, insured, continually educated in the industry, and backed by top-tier supplier relationships. My goal is always to deliver not just a trip—but a tailor-made experience.
I’m proud to share that Wanderlust Travel Jetsetter has been voted Best Travel Agency in New Braunfels two years in a row—but more than the award, I’m proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients. They know I care deeply, that I fight for the best value and experience for them, and that I treat every trip as if it were my own.
Climate Express Heating & Air, LLC
Alongside my husband, we also run Climate Express Heating & Air, which we started from the ground up seven years ago. What began as a dream now employs 20 hardworking team members and has earned the title of Best of New Braunfels four years in a row. We specialize in providing high-quality HVAC services with honesty, efficiency, and professionalism. We’re known for our reliability, excellent customer service, and our genuine care for the community.
What I Want You to Know
Both of my businesses are built on heart, grit, and a deep desire to serve others. Whether it’s keeping your home comfortable year-round or sending you off on the trip of a lifetime, I bring my whole self to everything I do. My brands represent resilience, authenticity, and excellence—and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck? It’s definitely been a part of my story—but not always the kind people hope for.
For a long time, it felt like I drew the short straw. I had my son at 17, went through toxic relationships, survived abuse, addiction, homelessness, and moments that should’ve broken me. Some would say I had a streak of bad luck. But looking back, I see those moments as my breaking-open, not breaking down. Those struggles taught me how to fight for myself, to build from nothing, and to hold on tight to the idea that I was meant for more.
And then came the good luck—meeting my husband, the love of my life. We took a chance and built Climate Express Heating & Air from the ground up. We didn’t inherit success; we worked for it. But yes, I’ll say we were lucky to find each other, lucky to share the same grit and vision, and lucky to have built something solid as a team. That kind of luck isn’t just chance—it’s alignment, timing, and a whole lot of hard work behind the scenes.
When I started Wanderlust Travel Jetsetter, it wasn’t luck that got me where I am. It was years of dreaming, finally asking myself the right questions, and then putting in the effort to make it real. But I will say—I’ve been blessed with the right people coming into my life at the right time, the right doors opening just when I needed them, and the right opportunities showing up once I started believing in myself.
So yes, luck has played a role—but it’s what I did with the luck that made all the difference. I took the pain, the past, the pitfalls—and turned them into purpose. That’s not luck. That’s strength.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wanderlusttraveljetsetter.com and www.climateexpressair.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12H5nBKWhFQ/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/1Kw4B5KudV/
