30 Years of Inspiration By Susan Salaz
As the modern version of Charles Mayer & Co. celebrates 30 years, owner Claudia Ryan is inspired by the journey every step of the way—past, present and future.
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A step into Charles Mayer & Co. takes you away from real life for a moment, into pure elegance and old-world charm. The store features sophisticated items that will never go out of style, from cosmopolitan tabletop and decorative accessories to European crystal, silver and china, to home furnishings, gifts and jewelry. Claudia Ryan, who revived the iconic Indianapolis department store in 1992, reflects on the past 30 years with gratitude, and she looks to the future with excitement for what is still to come. “Building the Charles Mayer & Co. brand is what I am most proud of,” she says. “And I am grateful to have found the opportunity to create today’s version of a treasure that now inspires a younger generation.”
Charles Mayer & Co. opened in Indianapolis in 1840, thriving for three generations and more than 115 years in its original downtown location at the intersection of Meridian and Washington streets. The five stories were filled with an unmatched selection of treasures, hand-picked for their exceptional craftsmanship and uncommon appeal by Mayer himself. When Claudia and her husband Tim (a maternal great-great grandson of Charles Mayer) decided to carry on the business in the early 1990s, they sought to reestablish a name that was part of the city’s heritage, while recreating the experience for modern customers. Claudia says that the original Charles Mayer & Co. was the kind of store where customers were treated like friends and family. “That is one of the most important aspects of the business that we wanted to bring back—that warmth and high level of customer service.” And since 1992, she has continued to build the brand, always mindful of the reputation and integrity the name Charles Mayer & Co. evokes.
The daughter of a Navy admiral, Claudia grew up traveling the world, experiencing diverse cultures and lifestyles, finding inspiration through it all and falling in love with Europe and the South Pacific. This global ideology, along with her military upbringing and the variety of jobs she has held since her teenage years—including 13 years as a fashion-merchandising vice-president for L.S. Ayers & Co.—have shaped her attitude along the way. The enthusiasm Claudia has devoted to the Charles Mayer & Co. brand is apparent just by looking around the carefully curated boutique. And while Claudia admits her grandchildren have added a delight to life she did not expect, when it comes to Charles Mayer & Co., she is far from stopping. She finds satisfaction not only as a business owner, but also as mentor to aspiring young women, educating them and helping them to establish connections within the industry. “I have finally realized that it’s the journey that is most important,” she says. “I continue to reinvent my business and really my life, which is part of my mantra and keeps me engaged.”
You will find “beautiful things for a beautiful life” at Charles Mayer & Co., located in the Shoppes at 56th and Illinois. You can also shop online at charlesmayer.com or follow @charlesmayerco on Instagram to see the latest offerings.
Charles Mayer & Co. opened in Indianapolis in 1840, thriving for three generations and more than 115 years in its original downtown location at the intersection of Meridian and Washington streets. The five stories were filled with an unmatched selection of treasures, hand-picked for their exceptional craftsmanship and uncommon appeal by Mayer himself. When Claudia and her husband Tim (a maternal great-great grandson of Charles Mayer) decided to carry on the business in the early 1990s, they sought to reestablish a name that was part of the city’s heritage, while recreating the experience for modern customers. Claudia says that the original Charles Mayer & Co. was the kind of store where customers were treated like friends and family. “That is one of the most important aspects of the business that we wanted to bring back—that warmth and high level of customer service.” And since 1992, she has continued to build the brand, always mindful of the reputation and integrity the name Charles Mayer & Co. evokes.
The daughter of a Navy admiral, Claudia grew up traveling the world, experiencing diverse cultures and lifestyles, finding inspiration through it all and falling in love with Europe and the South Pacific. This global ideology, along with her military upbringing and the variety of jobs she has held since her teenage years—including 13 years as a fashion-merchandising vice-president for L.S. Ayers & Co.—have shaped her attitude along the way. The enthusiasm Claudia has devoted to the Charles Mayer & Co. brand is apparent just by looking around the carefully curated boutique. And while Claudia admits her grandchildren have added a delight to life she did not expect, when it comes to Charles Mayer & Co., she is far from stopping. She finds satisfaction not only as a business owner, but also as mentor to aspiring young women, educating them and helping them to establish connections within the industry. “I have finally realized that it’s the journey that is most important,” she says. “I continue to reinvent my business and really my life, which is part of my mantra and keeps me engaged.”
You will find “beautiful things for a beautiful life” at Charles Mayer & Co., located in the Shoppes at 56th and Illinois. You can also shop online at charlesmayer.com or follow @charlesmayerco on Instagram to see the latest offerings.