Cara Cartee of Greenville on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Cara Cartee and have shared our conversation below.

Cara, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
There are several common misconceptions about being a travel agent that often lead people to underestimate the profession. One of my favorites is, “Travel agents still exist?!” Yes, yes, they do!

Travel agents have evolved. I specialize in custom itineraries, luxury travel, group tours, destination weddings, and complex, multi-leg trips—things that can be overwhelming or time consuming to book online. My expertise and connections often provide access to perks, upgrades, or exclusive deals not available to the general public.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My business is CMC Events & Travel. I am a seasoned events and travel planner based in Greenville, SC, crafting unforgettable experiences since 2001. I create luxury getaways for groups to solo travelers, and combine meticulous detail with a flair for the unexpected.

A Tulane University alumna, I launched my career in vibrant New Orleans, mastering the art of creating seamless events and travel arrangements. I am a 2025 SC Women in Business, and have been named a Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist since 2021.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I truly believe the presence of connection is the key to a happy and enlightened life. This only strengthens my passion for helping people travel and discover the world. Immersing in another culture introduces new philosophies, religious beliefs, family dynamics, and political views. It creates space for critical thinking and self-reflection, and builds bonds with family, friends, and those you meet on the road.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
COVID was a tremendous turning point for our industry. This was the perfect time to find another passion, but this has always been more than a profession for me. Now, I approach this profession with deeper purpose. I’m not just booking vacations — I’m helping people reconnect with loved ones, recover lost time, and rediscover joy.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! Leading with authenticity is incredibly important to me. It’s not about oversharing — it’s about honesty. Owning my mistakes. Communicating clearly. When you lead authentically, you give others permission to do the same. I thrive in the safety net it creates for me both professionally and personally.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What false labels are you still carrying?
In entrepreneurship, there’s immense pressure to “keep up the image;” that things are always growing and thriving. The unspoken rule is: don’t let them see you sweat. But, carrying this false label of failure comes from hiding your process. The moment you’re honest about the hard seasons, the pivots, the times you had to start over — you reclaim that narrative.

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