American Mahjong in Maine: Building Community One Tile at a Time

Why is American Mahjong suddenly everywhere in Maine?

In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, I sit down with Melanie Charest, founder of Mainely Mahjong, to explore why American Mahjong has become one of the fastest-growing social activities in Maine.

What begins as a conversation about colorful tiles quickly becomes a discussion about something much bigger: building community, making new friends, supporting local businesses, and creating meaningful opportunities to connect in a world increasingly dominated by screens.

Melanie shares how she transformed her passion for American Mahjong into a thriving Maine small business, teaching hundreds of new players and partnering with local restaurants, wineries, clubs, and businesses throughout Greater Portland to introduce people to the game.

We also talk about why I began hosting Elegant Maine Living American Mahjong Nights for my real estate clients, podcast guests, and friends of the podcast. One of the most rewarding parts of these gatherings has been watching complete strangers become friends, exchange phone numbers, and continue playing together long after the event ends. That's exactly what Elegant Maine Living is all about—creating connections that enrich our lives and strengthen our communities.

Whether you're curious about learning American Mahjong, looking to expand your social circle, or simply enjoy hearing the stories of Maine entrepreneurs who are making a difference, I think you'll enjoy this conversation.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why American Mahjong is experiencing a remarkable resurgence across Maine
• How Mainely Mahjong grew from one idea into a thriving Maine small business
• The differences between American Mahjong and Chinese Mahjong
• Why so many people are searching for American Mahjong lessons in Maine
• How learning a new game can lead to lasting friendships and stronger communities
• Why supporting local entrepreneurs helps strengthen Maine's economy
• The inspiration behind my Elegant Maine Living American Mahjong Nights
• Why putting away our phones and gathering around a table matters more than ever

If this episode inspires you to learn American Mahjong or join one of my future Elegant Maine Living American Mahjong Nights, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out through the Elegant Maine Living website, and I'll be happy to keep you informed about upcoming lessons and events.

Links:

• Melanie Charest on Instagram: mainelymahjong

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

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Transcript

[00:00:00] Hi, friends. This is Elise Kiely, and welcome back to Elegant Maine Living, where we explore the people, places, and ideas that make Maine such a wonderful place to live, work, and play. And friends, let me just say, if this is your first time listening, welcome. I am so glad you are here. I invite you to listen to not only this episode, but some of my back episodes and to be a continued listener.

I'm so grateful that you are giving me your time and attention to learn a little bit more about Maine. And in today's episode, we're going to talk about something that seems to be popping up everywhere, from private clubs and restaurants to community centers and living rooms. It's colorful, it's social, [00:01:00] it's very strategic, and apparently a little addictive.

It's called Mahjong. And ha- have you noticed Mahjong nights appearing in different restaurants, coffee shops, wine bars all over Maine? Have you noticed, like me, that your social media feed is starting to include different reels and postings about mahjong all over the country? And why are waiting lists forming for beginner classes?

Why are mostly women, but some men of all ages suddenly gathering around tables of these colorful tiles? And is mahjong simply a game, or is it a powerful tool for friendship, lifelong learning and healthy aging? Well, to help us answer those questions and to share some really interesting stories, I'm joined by my new friend, Melanie Charest, founder of Mainly Mahjong.

Melanie spends her summers on Peaks [00:02:00] Island, just off the coast of Portland, and winters in Texas, and has built a thriving mahjong community throughout Greater Portland. Melanie, welcome to Elegant Maine Living. Thank you. I'm so glad you're here. And before we talk about your personal story, let's start with this phenomena itself.

Now, I, uh, listeners who have, who have listened to previous episodes, when I talk about real estate market trends or design trends, I will often say, "Look, Maine, we get things last. Everything is going on in the rest of the world, and they slowly make their way up to Maine, if ever." And mahjong seems like it has just taken off in Maine.

Would- do you agree? It is. It is. Um, last summer I first started to notice people wanting to play, and this summer there are even more- Mm-hmm ... and more and more. I think what... And we're gonna talk about what you do and how you- Mm-hmm ... teach [00:03:00] people this incredible game, but I think what you're doing is an incredible service because we hear about mahjong happening, and particularly in the South, in Texas and in Florida and Georgia, the Carolinas, and we're a little, it stuck because if you don't have someone teach you and spend some time showing you the skills that you need and introducing you to the tiles and the strategy, it could be, uh, very intimidating and be a barrier to start, to start learning this game.

So thank you for bringing mahjong to Maine. Thank you. Yeah, some- it's a pleasure. It's been a lot of fun. Yeah, it, it, it is addictive, I can say for sure. And why do you think mahjong is having a moment right now? It, in, in the country f- it's been having a moment for the last probably five to 10 years, and in Maine, just maybe the last one or two years.

But why do you think mahjong has taken off so much lately? You know, I think well, COVID did a number on all of us, right? We were isolated. Mm-hmm. We were [00:04:00] stuck in our phones. Um, and even now people are still in their phones, in their computer a lot, and they're missing out on in-person time. Mm-hmm. And mahjong brings that to people.

Yeah. Brings people to a table to connect socially without a phone. Um, I, when I sit down or start a lesson, I ask everybody to put their phones away. Mm-hmm. And it, it's, it's hard for a lot of people. It is. We're addicted to these- Mm-hmm ... little computers- Yeah ... in our pockets, right? Yep. And if we get a ding or a buzz, we stop everything to look and see what, you know, who was trying to contact us.

Correct. And it can be, it can be jarring. And in mahjong you sit at a table of four. Four, ideally. Mm-hmm. And, and is, is it, is m- we're going to get into th- the game and some of the, the things around mahjong. But in mahjong can you do both at the same time? Can you check your email and text or Instagram and play mahjong at the same [00:05:00] time?

Not easily. No. If you, if, if you are trying to do both, you're missing, y- you're missing tiles, you're missing, you're missing the point- Point ... of the game. Right. And, and frankly, you may be annoying the other three people at the table- Absolutely ... because you're slowing things down a bit. Mm-hmm. And so it, it is, it really focuses us to be present- Yes

on, on a game and an activity. And I think, Melody, if, and tell me if you agree, I think when people are playing mahjong, they can be sitting at a table of four. They don't have to look at each other all the time. They're looking at the tiles. It gives something else to focus on and still interact with other people.

Yes. So socially it's not intimidating. It's not intimidating socially. Um, sometimes i- i- if you're not socializing when you're at the mahjong table, you're taking it too seriously. Mm-hmm. Well said. Well said. So you still can talk and chit-chat and things like that. Yes. And there's a lot of it that goes on, and a lot of laughter.

Yes. Yes. And there's some [00:06:00] things that people have adopted, um, some act- some hand movements and things with different tiles- Yep ... I've seen people do. And we, and we can get, we can get into that. And so why do you think it has come so late to Maine? Well, you touched on it. M- Maine gets everything last, and I know that.

As a Mainer- Yeah ... I freely tell people that all the time. Um, I don't feel like I'm dissing Maine because I say we get everything last, because that's been the case my entire life. Right. Everything comes last to Maine. Um- And we're sort of okay with that, I think, here in Maine. I think so, too. Yeah. We get to value.

We're not sure if we want to jump into it right away. Right. We'll, we'll let everybody test it out. I will say mahjong has been played in Maine, but by just particular small groups, particular groups. Mm-hmm. And now, since it hit, you know, the Today Show, Good Morning America, The New York Times has had articles, Martha Stewart Living has had articles, more people are wanting to play.

They hear [00:07:00] about it, they learn about it, and they want to know what it's all about. It's really becoming mainstream. Yes. Absolutely. Um, that it, and if you don't know how to play, you might be starting to feel a little on the outside. You're a little left out. Yeah. And you're looking for a way to learn, which is something, something you provide.

Who, who, who is showing up at your mahjong events- Mm-hmm ... where you're giving instruction or help facilitate games? Who's showing up for these? For the most part, they are it- gen X women in their 50s- Mm-hmm ... who are y- their kids are about out the door if they're not already. For the most part, that's what I'm seeing.

Yeah. But I do have, I just did, um, a young couple down in Kennebunk with three kids under the age of five who wanted something to do in the evenings when their kids went to bed. So can you play just two? You can. It's a two-person, two-person mahjong, or there is an official game called Siamese Mahjong- Uh-huh

which is for two players. But the easier, and especially [00:08:00] for this couple, I taught them how to play Messi two-person mahjong. You know, I l- I love that, Melanie. I love the intentionality of that, of we need to do something together. Mm-hmm. Let's not go off into TV or- Right ... scroll on our phones separately.

Let's do something interactive together. Mm-hmm. I, I, I have such respect for that couple that did that, and to learn something new together. Yes. Uh, were they both brand new players? Yes. Mm-hmm. And so one's not teaching the other- No ... which is helpful. Nope. He, they, he's a, um, the oldest of six children himself from Hawaii, and they were both army brats.

Uh-huh. And wanted just, yeah, wanted something to do together. I think that's fantastic. And so there, there's a gr- my sense is, across the country, a growing group of men that are starting- Yes ... to play. Mm-hmm. Why do you think mahjong historically has been predominantly played by women? They s- well, so in 1920 when women got the right to vote is when they say that women wanted...

It [00:09:00] was leisure time on their own terms- Mm-hmm ... is how it's been described or how it's been written about. And there was a, a term used then in the media called mahjongitis. Mahjongitis. Mm-hmm. Okay. Because- What is mahjongitis? Mahjongitis became, you were, for lack of a better term, an addiction to mahjong.

Uh-huh. Um, and- Listen, if you're gonna have an addiction- Right? It's not a bad one. It's not a bad one. No one ever got arrested for driving after mahjong. Right? Correct. Um, and they were accused of neglecting their household duties, uh, for playing mahjong. That's- That's so funny. Mm-hmm. Mahjongitis. And I think basically women were saying, "No, no, no.

We're doing our own thing right now." Mm-hmm. Um, and then Great Depression hit, and that changed things- Right ... again, so primarily a women's game. But everywhere we're seeing more, more men playing. I've taught more men this summer than I ever see [00:10:00] playing in Dallas. Have you really? Mm-hmm. Have you, have you had any groups of just men, men at a table?

Not just men, but I'm planning one, 'cause I just taught a group of women who want their husbands to learn. Mm-hmm. So they want to play while I teach their husbands. Husbands. Mm-hmm. That, and are the husbands open and willing? They seem to be. Enthusiastic? Mm-hmm. I think this is fanta- I think it's fantastic, Melanie, what you're doing, and I think I agree with you.

COVID did a, did a number on all of us, and I think we are starved for personal connections and for s- something to help us get off our addiction to screens. Yes. And to tactilely, to touch something like the tiles. Mm-hmm. And to be in a small setting, a table of four. It's not like you're walking into a conference room at, of, of 200 trying to network with people.

Right. It's confined, it's structured, and there's a rhythm to the game that makes it easy to pull up a chair and be, you know, w- the [00:11:00] fourth person at a mahjong table. Yes. Um, and I think the timing of this is really interesting. We're so often living in silos, right, with different parts of our lives. And it's easy to come home, open up Netflix, and watch a movie as opposed to go to a gathering.

Mm-hmm. And sometimes there's some social friction of making yourself go out at the end of the day. Yes. And I think this is a very comfortable way to do it. It is. And that's, so I learned in 2020 I actually learned the Chinese version of mahjong. Okay. So th- you're going to explain the, that there are two different versions, Chinese- Yes

and American. What- Yes, I'm jumping ahead ... we can get to that. No, that's fine. Um. We'll, we'll get to that. And soon after, a friend invited me to a learning event at her kids' school for American mahjong, and I attended. I knew- And you, this was in Texas. In it, yes. Uh-huh. In Dallas. Mm-hmm. And loved it. Quickly transitioned to playing strictly American mahjong.

But [00:12:00] I didn't know many people that, nobody in my s- social group- Mm ... was actually playing. So I had to find events and find groups to go play with. And it is intimidating- Mm-hmm ... to walk into a room of people you don't know, at any age. Correct. But I was always made to feel welcome when I went to sit down at these tables of strangers.

And a lot of these people have now become my friends in Dallas. I love that. I love that, Melanie. That's such a great story because I think there's so many people who are looking to expand their social circle. Yes. To make connections with people, and I love that you felt hospitality, and you were felt welcome at the mahjong table.

That, that's so important. And have you seen In your experience with... There, there's so much I want to unpack from that- Mm-hmm ... of American mahjong and, and Chinese mahjong. Which do you think is so popular in the country right now, American or Chinese mahjong? [00:13:00] American is what you're seeing. That's what's exploding- Okay

is American mahjong. So when I open up Instagram and I see 10 reels- Mm-hmm ... about mahjong, that's what they're playing is- Yes ... American mahjong. American mahjong. Okay. And we're going to get into American mahjong and how you get cards and what- Yes ... cards are and all of that. But going back to who is playing, are you seeing multigenerational?

Are you seeing all mostly one generation? Yes. So I just mentioned that young couple. Mm-hmm. I am also working with a 93-year-old woman. Come on. Yeah, in Falmouth at the Ocean View, uh, Lodge. And has she ever played before, or is she a brand- No ... new player? Brand new. And what, what created the interest or the desire for her to learn this at 93, which is so impressive- Mm-hmm

to learn something new? She is, she lives in the assisted living facility. Mm-hmm. And there's a group that meets in their, their community room on her floor every Wednesday afternoon. And the women said they didn't have the patience to teach her. [00:14:00] Uh-huh. But if she learned, they were welcome to come join the table.

So now she wants to learn. And how did she find you? Her son-in-law helped her find me. I love that. And now her world has opened up- Yeah ... for social, socially- Yes ... and community and the intellectual exercise of learning this game. Yeah. Which, you know, I don't want to overstate how intimidating it is. It, it is learnable.

It is. It is doable. And how many lessons do you think it takes for somebody who's never played before to be able to play m- mostly independently? Yeah. So for the, for the average person, three lessons- Mm-hmm ... is generally enough. I do have some that want more clarification on things- Mm-hmm ... and so I'll go back a fourth, even fifth, sixth time- You should have-

if they want me ... a hotline. Well, that is, so it's funny, I very rarely give my phone number out- Mm-hmm ... because I would just be- Inundated ... inundated with texts. Right. So I have to have some boundaries somewhere. That's a very good point. And that's my boundary. Yeah. Maybe we should have the [00:15:00] Mainely Mahjong app.

Yeah. And you could, you could just ask, ask Melanie, and at your convenience you could answer them- Right ... you know, at night or something. That's- Well, that's, yes. I tell people, "You can email me. It's not going to be an immediate response- Right ... but at least you will know for next time if you're doing something correctly or not."

So, and we're going to get into the background of how you started the company, but how, how many people do you think you've taught in the last six years? So last summer alone, it was over 180 people. Wow. And I'm close to, I believe I'm at, um, 90 right now for, for this year. This, this- This beginning, um, actually it was with your group in- In-

February ... February. I started counting- Right ... the next, the next year. We're gon- I'm gonna get those numbers up for you, Melanie, too. We're gonna, 'cause ... And, and for listeners, I've been holding some client events, some Elegant Maine Living events where to gather women who I know would be interested in learning, and just make it logistically easier for [00:16:00] them to have access to you.

Yeah. And so if any listeners are out there and want to be part of these events, please reach out to me by email or through the Elegant Maine Living website and we'll get you on the invitation list. The challenge is they o- they sub- they sell out quickly. Mm-hmm. And so we can only have so many tables- Right

at an event. But I have had people from those events come to me for more lessons. I th- I think that's- So I owe you- That's so wonderful ... a thanks too. Yeah. And people have come to those events who didn't know each other. Right. And have started playing on a Sunday and gathered themselves- Mm-hmm ... to play, which that's the whole point.

Yes. Right? That's the whole point. I, I think that's great. And when people sign up for a class with you, independent of a gathering like mine, let's just say they Google mahjong lessons in Maine and they find Mainely Mahjong, what do you think they're looking for? Do you think they are looking to start and add this as a weekly activity, um, in their life or are they just, is this a novelty one-off do you think they're [00:17:00] looking for?

Well, I hope that they're looking- Yeah ... to join a weekly game. That's what I want everybody's goal to be- Yeah ... when they learn this game. But some of them are trying it as a one-off. Mm-hmm. Um, I'd recently did a three series lesson at, uh, 1820 Wines. And- And what is 1820 Wines? 1820 Wines is a rhubarb wine company.

In Portland. In Portland. Yeah. Yes. Uh, and the owner actually lives on Peaks Island, which I didn't know until after she reached out to me. Oh, that's interesting. Yeah. Small world. Yes. But that group, it was a group of eight learners, and then I had some open play tables as well. Uh-huh. The eight learners exchanged emails and phone numbers before they all left, and were planning to get together last night.

I haven't heard if they did, but they were planning to. I mean, and that's the first step, right? Mm-hmm. And so this building of community, and mahjong's just the vehicle for building these friendships- Yeah ... and these [00:18:00] relationships. And I think that's such a wonderful thing for people of all ages. Yes. From the 93-year-old to, what's the youngest person you've ever taught mahjong to?

I've, counting my kids, um, um, I think my son was 17 when- Wow ... he learned. Yeah. That's great. First, so from, yeah, that's the youngest that I taught. Mm-hmm. That's, and is that about the youngest that you think could, could get it? Yeah. So there's a, um, um, they call it mini mahjor. Uh-huh. It's, it's a kind of an abbreviated game or an abbreviated card for kids.

So there, there are summer camps- Really? ... being established for those- Not here in Maine. No. It's something I thought about- It's somewhere in the South, I'm sure ... it's, yes, for sure. Yeah. And it's, it is something I thought about, uh, but I was running out of time and- And there's only one of you. Exactly.

There's only so much I can get done in the summer. Yeah. And, so maybe next year. I just, you know, for listeners out there, this is, there's such a wave of mahjong. I strongly encourage you to find a way to get [00:19:00] a lesson. Reach out to me, reach out to Melanie, and just learn so that you can be part of this community.

And it's, it's interesting about m- mahjong, Melanie, at least from my perspective. You can be part of the big picture mahjong. Have you played mahjong? Yes, I have. Are you an expert? No, I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I can play with, maybe with some assistance. And then there's the smaller groups, and the smaller groups form organically and naturally by people who just have an interest in getting together and keeping their brains sharp.

And the gatherings usually last about a couple of hours, I'd say. Yes. To play. Is that how long your lessons go, about that time? Yeah. A first lesson is just over two hours, and then I- Yeah ... it's two hours. Yeah, and I've seen you do a lesson. You don't stop. You don't sit- ... and have a drink or even a cup of coffee or anything.

You are on it. You are focused on, on these tables, and you have a very precise process that you go through in instructing, which has got to be very, very [00:20:00] welcoming to, to newcomers. Um, so Melanie, let's turn the page a bit. L- tell us a little bit about you. We've talked about Dallas. Mm-hmm. We've talked about Peaks Island.

Are, are you a Mainer? I- And it's okay if you're not. I, I am a Mainer. I grew up in, in, I grew up in Saco. I went to college outside of Maine, but I came back after and lived and worked in Portland for a few years before experimenting and moving out to San Diego for a couple years. Mm-hmm. And none of this had anything to do with mahjong so far?

Oh, no. No. This was just life. This was life. Okay. Came back to Maine again, and then I met my husband, and we moved First to New Orleans, and then DC, back to New Orleans, and then to Dallas. I settled in Dallas, been there for 20 years. So- But I am a Mainer. You're a Mainer. I consider myself a Mainer. And you will always be a Mainer.

I will always be a Mainer. Very pr- you're very proud to be from Maine. I am. Yeah, yeah. And when you're in Dallas and you [00:21:00] say you're from Maine, that's, I imagine that that's interesting to people. It is, even after 20 years. Yeah. And did you raise your family in Dallas? Yes. Okay. Yes. And so, but you've come back, so what's your connection to Peaks Island?

When my kids were little, they're now 23 and almost 21, we started taking them out here for day trips, 'cause we always spent a three to four weeks in Maine back visiting our parents. Um- Oh, your husband's from Maine too. My husband is also from Maine. Okay. So we spent time back here visiting family, but we started doing day trips out to Peaks with the kids.

Mm-hmm. You know, do the little bicycle ride around. And those cute beaches they have- Mm-hmm ... out there. Yeah. And then we slowly, we started spending a week renting a house, and then we spent a couple of weeks, and then we thought, "You know, this isn't a bad place to be for the summer." Mm-hmm. And, you know, we were tired of moving from my mom's house to his parents' house, you know?

Yeah. So we decided it was time to find our own place, and we- Good for you ... settled [00:22:00] on Peaks. Good for you. And how, how long's the ferry ride from downtown Portland to Peaks? Just under 15 minutes. Yeah, it's fantastic. And it's, Peaks is so popular, and when people spend a week renting a house or whatever, they, it's, that's not the last time they'll be at Peaks.

Generally not. Yeah. And, and there are a few little restaurants and cafes and- Boutiquey type stores- Yes ... and things like that. One hotel last I heard. Yes. Yes, out there. Yes. So it's a wonderful place to visit in the summer. And there's a mahjong community out there. I bet there is. I bet there is. So how did you first discover mahjong?

So it was introduced to me by a friend who had been, she lived in Dallas, moved to Seoul, Korea for some work, and then about, and then came back to Dallas, and she taught me the Chinese version. Ah. And then that's where we then attended the American- Gotcha ... mahjong event. And this was, was this before COVID?

This was in 2020. She came [00:23:00] back. Okay. And so we, it was towards the end of, end of 2020. The kids were back at school- Mm-hmm ... in, in Texas anyway. In Texas, right. And she taught me the Chinese version. And so you played the Chinese version for a year or so? About a year. Yeah. Mm-hmm. And then you went to this community event at their friend's school and learned the American.

Yes. And what made you decide to switch? I liked- Having played both ... the challenge of American mahjong more. Okay. I liked the, well, I don't know if how we have the card in American mahjong that makes the game a little more challenging- Mm-hmm ... than the Chinese version. Okay. And I liked the challenge that American mahjong presented.

That's interesting. And does Chinese mahjong have a card? It does not have a card. Okay, so you have to memorize certain sequences. It's basically s- um, you're making pungs and chows. A chow is essentially a run. Okay. One, one, two, three, for example. And if, listeners, if you don't know what a pung or- ... is, that's a great reason to reach out to Melanie or reach out to me for one of my client events, [00:24:00] and we'll get you knowing what a pung is pretty quickly.

Yes. Yes. But probably not worth going into here, but so you started playing American mahjong, and did you start, you started building a community or joining communities in Texas where they were playing a lot of mahjong? Yes. And was it hard to find games? Not there. Yeah. Not at all. So how do you find them in Texas?

Easy. Is it word of mouth? An, an easy Google search, mahjong Dallas- Yeah ... takes you. There are paid events. There are groups that meet in grocery store, um, cafes- Really? ... bookstores. So you could be out and about in Dallas, and you might be hearing the click of tiles. Yes. Really? And is it, is it predominantly women in Dallas in y- back then?

In those, yes, in those k- types of situations. The evening situations, more men are joining those. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. So you started playing 2020, 2021, and when did you come back to Maine for a summer [00:25:00] during COVID? Was it '21, '22? Um, we were here, as soon as school closed in 2020, we were here. You were here. And then- In '21, we arrived as soon as school got out for the kids.

And was there already a mahjong group on Peaks Island, or did you bring it to Peaks? I did not bring it to Peaks. I was not... I guess I wasn't... If it, if it was already being played in '21, I was not aware of it being played on Peaks- Mm-hmm ... in 2021. Uh, the summer of '23 is when I started playing on Peaks. Okay.

And did, was it hard to find people to play with? No. So we have a, a, a club. TEIA is our club. It's a social club for- Mm-hmm ... sailing and, and different events, and it was offered there on Wednesday afternoons. Ah. So the club facilitated bringing people together to play. Yes. Because the club must have recognized, hey, there are people out there that want to do this.

Let's, let's make us the gathering spot- Yes ... [00:26:00] provide the space, the drinks, the food, whatever. And so you all would gather. Was that, like, a weekly game you would do? It's Wednesdays. It's still played every Wednesday afternoon, and I saw this summer they're adding Sunday afternoons- Wow ... or Sunday evenings.

Because, because the demand is so high. Mm-hmm. It's so interesting. And so you were playing pretty regularly in Dallas, playing pretty regularly here in Peaks. What sparked this idea of becoming a teacher and creating a business? I think I saw We had the community on Peaks, but it was very small. Mm-hmm. And I saw what people were doing in Dallas with this game, and how big a part of my life it became.

I didn't want to miss out on that. And I, because I enjoyed it so much, I wanted other people to enjoy it. So I thought, okay. It, it was actually a friend who encouraged me. A friend in Dallas encouraged me. She said, "I've started teaching this. You can do it. You know the game. You understand the game." So- [00:27:00] "You want to play more when you're in Maine, and to do that, you have to teach the people."

So she was a teacher in Dallas- Yes ... and said, "When you g- I think you should do this in Maine- Mm-hmm ... when you go to Peaks Island in Maine." Yes. How generous of her to share that, and to give you that encouragement. Yeah. That's, that's wonderful. And did you have to b- go through a certification or become an official trainer?

So- Or can anyone just teach mahjong? Certification is, there is no true certification for- Oh ... teaching American mahjong. I did do, there are programs where you can learn to teach. Mm-hmm. Um, but there's not a certification per se. Okay. American mahjong doesn't have a- People do use that term. Mm-hmm. Um, but American mahjong does not have a certification process.

Okay. And American Mahjong League is sort of the governing body of American mahjong- The National Mahjong League. Right. Yes. Yes. The National Mahjong League- Yes ... for American mahjong- Mm-hmm ... in the US. Yes. Okay. But there is a group, [00:28:00] um, a woman by the name of Michele Frizzell, who has The Maj Guild Life, and I am a member of that.

And she provides trainings, and booklets, and, and programming for teaching the game. Okay. And so that's where, so I've done her program for teaching. 'Cause you have a very specific, uh, process when you do a lesson, with, with great history and background on the game- Yes ... which I think is really helpful to understand, how did we get here?

Mm-hmm. Um, so I, I was wondering where, you must have had some sort of training or resource to get all of that information. Yes. And that was from, from Michele. Got you. And then so you started offering lessons on Peaks? I didn't, because Peaks has, the woman who organizes the meetups at the club- Uh-huh

teaches. Okay. And so I didn't want to step on any toes there. Sure. I ha- I have taught a few people from Peaks, but they joined me in town. It was a younger group- [00:29:00] Uh-huh ... that joined me in town from Peaks. Um- So- So I have taught people from Peaks, but I don't teach on Peaks. So Melanie, how did you start this?

Did you put out flyers? Did you create a business plan? No, uh, formal business plan. Mm-hmm. I really had no idea how this was gonna go. I- Took some money, put it into an account that I call my Mainly Mahjong account. I made an Instagram post that said, "Coming soon," where I was shuffling some tiles with a, a view of Casco Bay from my home on Peaks Island, and said, "This is...

Guess what's coming to Maine?" And I started following businesses and people in the Portland area- Mm-hmm ... that I hoped would welcome me into their, into their rooms, into their businesses to teach the game. And it worked. I was [00:30:00] reached out to almost immediately to teach my first group. Angor Wine Bar reached out to me, and on March 26th of 2025, I taught my first group of eight people, and I had a- another table of open play.

And funny, the person who came to... One of the people who came to open play was a former Dallas resident whose son went to the same high school as my son. Wow. Small world. Small world. Yeah, small world. So you had two tables of four that you were teaching. Yes. And open play, you were sort of available for questions, that type of thing?

Yes. And you brought sets for everybody- I did ... and cards for everybody. Yes. And for listeners who don't know the game, every player needs a current card, and the cards turn over every year around April. Yes. Um, so you have to buy a new card every year, and it's- Yes ... around $15, $16, something like that for, for a card.

And you can get a set, a [00:31:00] starter basic set for usually around 2 to $300. Yeah, you can even get, you can get a set on Amazon if f- for in the $70 range- Oh, okay ... if you're looking for traditional tiles. Yeah. And so that started in March of '25, and how was h- how was the experience for you, and how was the experience for the players?

Two of the players came back for more. One of the groups, so I had two tables of learners. One of them were four friends, and the other was a couple and then two single women who came. And the one table of four friends, I know that they went off and were playing on their own. The other table, the couple reached out to me, and we did another lesson.

It was, I was nervous. Mm-hmm. Um- Sure ... it was my first time to do it in a, in a, I guess formal setting. Right. Um, but it was successful. People [00:32:00] Melanie, it obviously worked ... complimented, complimented me, and it worked. Yeah. Because I was busy the rest of the summer. That's amazing. And so, you know, I'm, I'm so...

What strikes me about that, Melanie, is that you took a shot, right? You took a shot, something you love, and didn't overthink it. Right. And how great that this business owner reached out to you, and that was really launched the business. And so from there, through social media, so your costs to this point are pretty low- Yes

for doing this. And how did you even know how much to charge, or how o- how long it would take? I knew I couldn't charge what people in Dallas charge. Mm-hmm. So I made- 'Cause we're Maine. Because we're Maine. And, and you know, people don't like to spend money. Right. And I, so that was, that was the most nerve-wracking part, actually, because people...

I, I was afraid people were gonna say, "Why am I gonna [00:33:00] pay money to learn a game?" Right. And, you know, you, and that's, you know, peop- you don't pay money to learn Monopoly. Right. But- But you're learning- ... the rules, the, the, uh, there's more to mahjong than- There, there is more to mahjong, and you're- ... just learning the rules

and you're, you're doing more than learning a game. I mean, you're, you're, you're learning skills. You're learning, as we said before, it's a vehicle for so much more. It is, it's, I think it's a door that opens to other things. And so I'm so impressed that you did this. And so after that one event, did you promote that experience on social media after the fact?

And then did people, um, direct message you on social media, either Facebook or Instagram or other, TikTok? That's exactly what happened. It was from there- That people, uh, direct messages. Um, I did, after that I put some blurbs out in different Facebook community- Uh-huh ... groups [00:34:00] and got a lot of private lesson inquiries from that.

Mm-hmm. And doing private, private lessons is one of my favorite things to do because generally you're, I'm teaching a group of friends who are just looking for a way, uh, looking for an excuse to be able to meet up- Right ... a couple of times a week outside of their kids' school activities- Mm-hmm ... or outside of work.

So in starting this business, which is now just about a year old, little over a year- Little ... um, uh, did you sit down after the f- a few sessions and say, "Okay, here's my strategy," or did you just keep growing it organically the way it started? Just kept growing organically. I really will say I still have no real plan for it.

Um, I have some events coming up. I am trying to, because I taught so many people, I want people to have an opportunity to play. Mm-hmm. So I am trying to [00:35:00] organize more open play events in, I have some things coming up with Allagash. I have some down- Great company. Yep ... mm-hmm, down at the Cape Arundel Inn- Mm-hmm

for people to just come and sit and play. So I'm working on different- That's fantastic ... things where people can just play versus have to have a lesson. And so it would, the, it would accommodate people at different levels of play. Yes. Right. And when I have these events, like the one we're gonna have tonight for Elegant Maine Living and for my real estate clients, I always ask my guests, "Are you a one, two, or three?"

Mm-hmm. Are you a one, brand new, not even sure how to spell mahjong, right? And I've heard there are tiles, but that's all I know. Two, I've had a lesson, I've played a few games, maybe it was a year or two ago, or I've only one lesson in. Or three, I'm pretty independent. I might have a question about the Charleston, which is how you deal, and, but I'm pretty independent.

And- And it's interesting to see the, the [00:36:00] wide spectrum, but some very intelligent, sophisticated, high-powered women are so eager to learn, and they're like, "Elise, I'm like a negative one. I, I know I need to learn this. It's part of a trend. I want to be part of this group, and I just need a safe space to learn how to do this."

And that's what these events are for. Yes. And as you said, people exchange phone numbers and emails, and they go off and have their own games, and it, it really creates an opportunity for people, which, you know, building community is so important. It's important to you, obviously. Yes. It's very important to me.

Nothing makes me more excited than building a community in a positive way like that. And what I'm really hoping is, you know, I s- do live in Dallas in the winter months, but I'm hoping when I make my treks up here once a month or so in the winter to have open plays so that people are still getting out in the wintertime.

Mm-hmm. Because I think especially here in Maine, people need socialization [00:37:00] in the winter. Yes. And I'm hoping that I can continue that. So I guess I do have a bit of a business plan. There you go. And that is to come up here, um, and offer those open plays a few more times during the winter- That's- ... than I have in the past.

You know, when I first started playing, I started playing in Martha's Vineyard, where I go in the summer, and there's a group that plays, and there was no formal lesson. It was, "Elise, pull up a chair, just watch us, and fumble your way through it," and did that for a year or two. And then I was looking for games here.

This was twen- early 20s, and looking for games here, and I had a client that was very involved in the Jewish Museum, uh, in Portland, and we were talking mahjong, and she very kindly invited me to play. I'm not part of that community, and we would play every other Wednesday or something or once a month. And then eventually, conflicts in work and life and, and, and it dispersed.

But like you felt when you were in Dallas and someone invited you, I felt incredibly welcome. And, [00:38:00] um, it gave me connections to women I never would have met. But for mahjong. And I can now see on the street and say hi to and, and so forth. Right. So it just, it expanded my world- Yes ... which I'm so grateful for.

And on that topic, I taught a group of women last summer that, in Cape Elizabeth, that I now call friends, and we are doing an event on June 28th for Try for the Cure. Oh. Because they are participating in that, and we're doing an event to raise money for their team. And- And so there'll be an entry fee to pay, to play mahjong?

Yes. It's essentially a donation- Yeah ... to Try for the Cure and their team, um, which I'll be putting more information out about that today, but it's June 28th at a private home, but open to anybody and all levels- I love mahjong ... of mahjong. And you don't have to, to swim, bike, or run in the Tri- Oh, no. ... to support the Try for the Cure.

You could simply stay [00:39:00] dry and not- Yes ... run and support Try for the Cure by playing mahjong. Yes. Which is fantastic. Yes. And we'll include a link to your social media in the show notes of the podcast so people can follow you on social media and find out about that event- Great ... as well. I appreciate that.

Melanie, before we wrap up today's conversation, one of the things that strikes me is that while mahjong may look like a game of colorful tiles, we've really been talking about something much bigger. What we've really been talking about is friendship and community and learning something new, creating opportunities for meaningful connection at a time when so many of us spend our days looking at screens.

And in part two, we're going to explore another fascinating aspect of mahjong, the growing research around brain health, healthy aging, and lifelong learning. We're going to talk about why this game provides such a powerful mental workout, the cognitive benefits researchers are studying, and why so many [00:40:00] people find themselves coming back to the mahjong table again and again.

So I hope you'll join us for part two of this conversation. Thank you for listening to Elegant Maine Living. As always, I so appreciate your time, your attention, and your comments, and your suggestions for future guests, and of course, the courtesy of a review. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and should not be considered to create a real estate or legal relationship.

If you're dreaming about a life in Maine or you're already living it, I hope you'll continue to join me as we explore the people, places, and ideas that make Maine such a special place to call home. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep living with intention, because here in Maine, elegance is truly a way of [00:41:00] life.