Today we’d like to introduce you to Marci Sneen.
Marci , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The idea for Mahj with Marci really came from an unexpected chapter in my life. During breast cancer treatment, I was looking for something that could help me mentally escape the stress and uncertainty that comes with navigating illness. A friend introduced me to American Mahjong, and what started as a simple hobby quickly became so much more. Sitting around a Mahjong table gave me something I desperately needed at that time, connection, laughter, mental stimulation, and a sense of normalcy. As I learned the game, I realized Mahjong wasn’t just about the tiles. It created community. It brought people together across generations and backgrounds in such a meaningful way. I started noticing how many people were curious about Mahjong but felt intimidated by learning it. Others had played years ago and wanted to reconnect with it but didn’t know where to start. There was this gap between interest and accessibility. That’s when the idea for Mahj with Marci really clicked for me. I saw an opportunity to make Mahjong feel approachable, welcoming, and fun for everyone, especially beginners. What excited me most was creating an environment where people could learn at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed or judged. I wanted to take something that can seem complicated at first and make it feel joyful and social from day one. The logic behind the business felt very natural because I had personally experienced the positive impact Mahjong could have on someone’s life. I knew firsthand how powerful it was for mental engagement, friendship, confidence, and emotional well-being. At the same time, I saw a growing interest in Mahjong, especially among women looking for more meaningful ways to connect offline and build community. There really wasn’t anything available in the area, so I decided to create it myself. What makes my approach different is that I focus just as much on the experience as I do the game itself. My teaching style is warm, patient, and supportive. Whether I’m teaching in someone’s home, leading a corporate team-building event, working with schools, or hosting community gatherings, my goal is always the same: help people feel comfortable, connected, and excited to play. At its core, Mahj with Marci was built from a very personal experience, but it has grown into something much bigger, creating spaces where people can slow down, connect, laugh, and experience joy together, one tile at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like any business startup, there has been a lot of learning as I’ve gone, and plenty of unexpected challenges along the way. Mahj with Marci started as a side hustle and quickly grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined. What began with teaching a few friends and small beginner groups gradually turned into a thriving business through word of mouth and growing demand within the community.
As more people became interested in learning Mahjong, I realized there was a real need for approachable, beginner friendly instruction. I began offering private lessons, community classes, and small events around Austin, and before long, my calendar was filling up faster than I expected. Within the first year, the business had grown beyond what I initially envisioned and evolved into a full-time career.
Of course, with that growth came challenges. I had to learn how to manage the business side of things while continuing to focus on what I loved most, teaching and creating meaningful experiences for people. There have been unexpected situations, growing pains, and plenty of moments where I’ve had to figure things out as I went. But each challenge has been a learning experience and has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Some of the biggest milestones have been expanding into corporate events, team-building experiences, schools, tournaments, and community programming throughout Central Texas. One of the most rewarding parts of the journey has been watching students go from nervous beginners to confident players who now host their own games, build friendships around the table, and introduce others to Mahjong.
So, while it hasn’t always been an easy or perfectly smooth road, it has been an incredibly rewarding one. What started as a personal passion project has evolved into a meaningful and thriving business centered around connection, community, and bringing people together.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mahj with Marci is an approachable, community focused American Mahjong business based in Central Texas. What started as a side hustle teaching a few friends and small beginner groups has grown into a full-time business offering private lessons, community classes, events, corporate team building experiences, school programs, tournaments, and custom Mahjong experiences.
At the heart of Mahj with Marci is a simple goal: to make Mahjong fun, welcoming, and accessible to everyone. When I first started teaching, I quickly realized there was a huge need for beginner friendly instruction. Mahjong can feel intimidating when you’re first learning, so I focus on creating a relaxed environment where people can learn the game without feeling overwhelmed. Whether someone has never touched a Mahjong tile or is looking to improve their skills, I want them to leave feeling confident and excited to play.
What really sets Mahj with Marci apart is the emphasis on connection and community. Yes, I teach people how to play Mahjong, but I’m really creating opportunities for people to connect around the table. I love watching students go from nervous beginners to confident players who host their own games, make new friendships, and eventually introduce Mahjong to others. That has been one of the most rewarding parts of building this business.
I’m also proud of how much the brand has grown organically. Much of the growth has come through word of mouth, which I think says a lot about the experience people have with Mahj with Marci. Mahj with Marci is a brand that brings people together across Central Texas through classes, events, tournaments, corporate experiences, and community programming.
From a brand perspective, I’m most proud that Mahj with Marci feels fun, welcoming, and personal. I never wanted it to feel intimidating or exclusive. Mahjong is a game with so much history and tradition, but it can also be a wonderful way to meet people, build friendships, laugh, learn something new, and simply enjoy time together.
Ultimately, I want readers to know that Mahj with Marci is about much more than learning a game. It’s about creating experiences and community, one Mahjong table at a time.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to take the leap of faith. You will never know what’s possible if you don’t give yourself the chance to try. Mahj with Marci started as a side hustle, and I certainly couldn’t have predicted where it would be today when I first started. Sometimes you just have to take that first step and figure things out along the way.
Has it always been easy? Absolutely not. There have been challenges, unexpected turns, and plenty of things I’ve had to learn as I’ve gone. But there is something incredibly rewarding about growing a woman owned small business from nothing into what it is today.
If I could go back and give myself advice in the beginning, I would remind myself to stay true to who I am, even as the business evolves. Focus on the things you can control, stay in your lane, and don’t get too caught up in what everyone else is doing. It’s easy to compare yourself to other businesses or feel like you need to follow someone else’s path, but your strengths, your story, and your vision are what make your business unique.
And always remember: NO ONE IS YOU. There is only one you, and that is your greatest advantage. You don’t have to do things exactly the way someone else does them. Take what you can learn from others, but trust your own instincts, embrace what makes you different, and build something that feels authentic to you.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to grow and evolve. You don’t have to have everything figured out on day one. Take the leap, stay true to yourself, focus on what you can control, and trust yourself enough to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mahjwithmarci.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahjwithmarci/
