Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Klemm.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have a master’s degree in elementary education and taught for several wonderful years. Eventually, I chose to stay home with my own kids, fully embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood. As my children got older and began attending school, I realized I needed something meaningful to fill my days.
In 2014, I took a chance and began what I thought would be a simple part-time job with a small travel agency. What happened next completely surprised me—my business quickly took off, fueled by the many connections I had made through my kids’ busy sports schedules and my active involvement at their schools.
Less than two years later, the owner of the agency invited me to become a 50/50 partner and co-owner. Though that was never part of my plan, I embraced the leap. Within the first year, due to some personal circumstances, he relocated out of the area, which made me realize I was ready to fly solo. By then, I had brought on a few amazing independent contractors, Tiffany and Jenny, who have stayed by my side ever since.
In April 2017, I officially launched MK Luxury Travel, and it has grown into a thriving business…one I truly couldn’t live without. This journey has been deeply meaningful, especially as life took an unexpected turn when my husband passed away from cancer in January of this year at just 50 years old. With two kids now at the University of Mississippi, I honestly don’t know where I’d be today, both emotionally and financially, without the incredible career and work family I’ve built through MK Luxury Travel over the past 8 years.
Travel has been nothing short of soul-nourishing, and I’m so grateful for every destination I get to explore and every meaningful partnership I forge through this beautiful adventure.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
2020 was definitely a huge bump in the road for MK Luxury Travel, as it was for the entire travel industry. Overnight, everything changed… flights were canceled, borders closed, and many of our clients’ dream trips had to be postponed or completely reimagined. For a boutique agency like ours, which thrives on personal connections and bespoke experiences, it was a real challenge not being able to create those magical moments in the way we’re used to. We get paid when our clients travel and when reservations get canceled we don’t get paid. We were spending hours or our time canceling trips, while not only working for free, but losing the commissions from the trips we had worked so hard to create.
But more than just a setback, 2020 became a powerful lesson in adaptability and connection. We doubled down on staying close to our clients offering flexible rebooking options, providing timely and trusted advice, and even helping travelers find safe ways to explore locally or virtually. Our team pulled together to innovate and support one another and we spent our time working on having all of our systems in place for when the world opened back up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about MK Luxury Travel?
MK Luxury Travel is a boutique travel agency with a simple but powerful philosophy: “Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” We specialize in crafting bespoke luxury travel experiences that truly reflect each client’s unique passions and lifestyle.
What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service and relationship-building. We don’t just plan trips… we get to know our clients beyond their travel wish lists. This allows us to design journeys that resonate deeply and create lifelong memories.
We have expert travel designers have partnerships around the world and access to incredible luxury destinations worldwide. We’re not just about booking trips…we’re about crafting unforgettable journeys filled with personalized touches and insider benefits. Thanks to our strong partnerships with top-tier Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and luxury hotels around the globe, we bring unparalleled advantages directly to the clients
Here’s how our connections make our clients travel truly exceptional:
** Exclusive Amenities: Enjoy upgrades such as complimentary room enhancements, welcome gifts, late check-outs, and special in-room surprises reserved only for our clients.
**Personalised Services: Our DMC partners provide expert local guides, private transfers, bespoke excursions, and insider experiences crafted specifically for your interests and style.
**VIP Access: Skip the lines at hotspots, access secluded spots, and gain invitations to exclusive events and cultural experiences unavailable to the general public.
**Dedicated Support: Around-the-clock assistance through our trusted contacts worldwide, ensuring your trip flows seamlessly no matter where you are.
**Tailored Recommendations: Our partners help us uncover hidden gems and unique adventures off the beaten path, turning every itinerary into something truly one-of-a-kind.
When you travel with MK Luxury Travel, you’re not just a guest. You’re treated like royalty with every detail thoughtfully arranged. These partnerships allow us to go the extra mile and turn dreams into lifelong memories.
We’re proud to be a small agency focused on delivering exceptional service over. Our clients tell us that the difference is in the details, the tailored recommendations, thoughtful touches, and seamless coordination, all of which come from truly understanding who they are and what they want to experience.
At MK Luxury Travel, we aim to inspire our travelers to explore the world on their own terms, guided by curiosity, passion, and the excitement of discovery.
What are your plans for the future?
Our team is currently growing in Denver. Mandy and Tiffany are now team leads in Denver currently training 5 new advisors. While we’re expanding, we’re committed to staying true to what makes us special—a small, boutique agency focused on deep connections with every traveller. We believe in quality over quantity, taking the time to really get to know our clients and tailor each journey to their unique style and dreams.
With this thoughtful growth in Denver, we’re strengthening our ability to deliver the personalized luxury experiences backed by a passionate, close-knit team that feels like family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mkluxurytravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/mkltravel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MKLTravel
