Charo Naifeh

NOVEMBER COVER STORY

WRITTEN BY ZACH COHEN | PHOTOS BY PEAK RES

Charo Naifeh was born and raised in Peru, where her parents were highly successful businesspeople. However, when Charo was a teenager, her parents decided to risk it all for new beginnings in the U.S. They picked up their family of nine and moved to Reno to live near an aunt.

Charo was faced with a new reality. Already a high schooler, she had to learn English quickly. The American culture was unfamiliar to her, but she was able to find her way in a new environment.

“My mom was a strong influence on me,” Charo reflects. “Not well educated and barely five feet, she was a bulldog of a businesswoman who used common sense and resilience and made great decisions. As the youngest of seven and very little, I also had to learn how to be strong.”

Charo used that strength to her advantage. She bought her first home at just 20. The following year, she purchased her first investment property. Professionally, she held a number of high-level sales positions, worked as a real estate appraiser, and became a branch manager of a local mortgage lending bank. She married a corporate executive and was living the life of her dreams — until it all fell apart.

In 1997, Charo went through a tough divorce, taking a toll on her. In a time of dire need, she turned to God.

“After my divorce, I felt suicidal, without hope and without a future. Then I accidentally stepped into a building where a man introduced me to the one person who dramatically changed my life — Jesus. I gave Jesus my heart, my life, my everything. He is the one who blesses me every day so that I can bless others.”

Charo attended Bible school and even traveled and preached at women's conferences. Her journey brought her back to the real estate business in 2002, this time as a REALTOR®. With her prior experience in the industry, she felt she could be of service to the Hispanic community in Tulsa, especially those that are so often underserved.

Charo’s real estate experience is impressive. She received her Nevada real estate license in 1990, her California loan officer license in 1991, and her Oklahoma real estate and loan officer licenses in 2002.

Finding Her Niche

Since getting back into the real estate business, Charo has thrived. She steadily built her business through 2018, when she opened Casa Light Realty. Today, she leads a small team at the boutique brokerage.

In real estate, Charo remains committed to serving those in her community.

“We serve everyone in Tulsa but have found a niche with the Hispanic community. Because of my Hispanic background, originally [from] Peru, I understand the language and cultural needs. We also employ many bilinguals to help serve them better,” Charo explains. “I so enjoy seeing the tears of joy and getting the hugs at the closing table. I truly enjoy taking those pictures with the kids, blessing the families with the home of their dreams, often when others said no.”

Leaning into Faith

Charo’s journey has come full circle. She’s now remarried to Gary Conroy, who is also part of her real estate team. Her children are grown and out of the house, and she now has a three-year-old grandson.

Charo is thriving personally and professionally. Now, her goal is to give back to those in her community who need it most. As she looks ahead, she plans to help as many families as she can, serve Tulsa’s Hispanic community, and continue leaning into her relationship with God.

“I don't easily give up and always seek solutions for even the worst of problems. I am an overcomer, and my Father God helps support me in that every day and in every way."

Beyond Real Estate

Casa Light Realty is only one of many things Charo does professionally. She has a real estate services company, rental/property management companies, and a tax prep company. Her next business launch is a 7,000-square-foot event center called Charo’s Venue. “This is one way we want to give back to the community, with a top-notch place for weddings, baby showers, and events. Our intention with this new adventure is to bless the community by creating an atmosphere at the event center that would be unforgettable.”