Hi, I’m Jodi, one of the co-founders. I’m from Pittsburgh, PA but moved away after graduating from college for my job and later my husband’s job. He was in the Air Force and we had the incredible opportunity to attend language school for Spanish in Monterey, CA before moving to Spain for two years, followed by a three year assignment in Germany. A total of ten moves, three children, countless countries visited, and 30+ years in manufacturing and non-profit later, I have arrived at Mahj Box with two of my best friends from college. The first time I ever saw mahjong being played was at the Officers Club in Ramstein, Germany. It was a large group of Asian spouses who found friendship and community through mahjong in a country far from home. I was completely fascinated and wanted to learn immediately, but I didn’t speak their languages or have any understanding of how the game was played. Children, work and life kept me busy for nearly another twenty years until I finally had the chance to learn how to play American Mahjong through the mother of a friend. To say that I was immediately addicted is an understatement. I have met so many beautiful, brilliant, funny and kind women through mahjong, gathering at cafes, bars and each other’s houses, sometimes playing 4 times a week. As our friendships grew, so did our love for all things mahj, from beautiful tiles, to mats, dice, lamps, bags, cups, mugs, silly napkins, wine markers…the list, like the addiction, is without limits.
Sparked by a late-night conversation over cocktails with my lifelong besties, the idea of Mahj Box was formed. Moving as much as I did, female friendships were essential, and what better way to promote friendships than gathering around a mahjong table with a group of fabulous women to play mahjong.
Mahj Box perfectly combines my love of friendship, travels and beautiful things!