Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Ryan
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started playing mahjong in 2020 when my friends Kristin, Brannon, and Louisa very patiently taught me. We play the American style that was standardized in 1937 by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) in New York. At first, I found mahjong overwhelming but the more I played, the more it all began to click into place for me and make sense. As I myself was learning I couldn’t help but notice how much interest there was in the game. Historically it’s been a game passed down generation to generation. We don’t really see that as much now. I saw an opportunity to share this game with others and get them going. In November of 2023, I taught my first lesson to four players at my dining table. The month after that, in December 2023, I led a class of 20 people, which was really wild. During my first year of business, I’ve taught about 350 people and presented a lecture on mahjong at UT. So it all came together pretty quickly and it hasn’t slowed down yet.
I absolutely love this game. There are just so many different layers and there’s always something new to learn with mahjong. It takes focus and a bit of mental gymnastics at times, so I feel like it keeps me sharp. Mahjong tiles have a satisfying tactile aspect and are so beautiful. Each one is like a tiny work of art. Mahjong is also a great community builder. One thing that I really didn’t expect was how many new friends I would make from playing and teaching mahjong. That time around the table really deepens existing friendships and forges new ones. I love providing that to other people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It really has been a pretty smooth road. I continue to learn and refine my teaching process. I have learned to manage my calendar better so I don’t overextend myself. And I’m fortunate to have a network of other mahjong instructors. We share best practices, collaborate, and give each other new business ideas constantly.
We’ve been impressed with Mahj with Claire, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Absolutely anyone can get involved with one of my mahjong events. You don’t need to have a thing. I provide the tiles, the racks & pushers, the mats, the dice and the NMJL cards. I offer everything from private lessons to parties for 24. My 101 lesson assumes no knowledge of the game. The next step is a 102 class which gets into the finer points of rules, strategy, and etiquette through guided play. Then I do an open play event once a month where anyone who’s had at least one lesson is invited to come with friends or on their own to enjoy a drink and play with fellow mahjong enthusiasts. That’s more of a networking and community-building event, where players can expand their own circles. All my lessons and events are listed on my Instagram profile link and I’m also happy to just make arrangements directly with anyone interested in learning.
The thing that students say they most appreciate about my teaching style is my patience. I remember how hard mahjong was when I was first playing. It’s like a whole new language. As adults we don’t learn new things that often and I have alot of respect for anyone setting out to challenge their brain this way.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I lived here in Austin as a child for 7 years and then returned as a grad student in my 20s, so I’ve seen alot of change over the decades. I love the mix of old and new in Austin. My family looks forward to Austin City Limits Festival every year and we host a houseful of friends and family for that in October. If I had to pick something I could change about Austin, it would be the extreme heat in the summer. The silver lining there is that’s perfect mahjong weather – indoors!
Pricing:
- I have a $300 minimum for a table of 1-4
- Groups of 5+ are $65 per person
- The weekly open lesson at my home is $100/seat and doesn’t require that you gather a group
- My monthly open play events are $30/seat
- I also offer 2-hour guided play for a $200 flat fee for up to 8 players.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahjwithclaire/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556449533132
Image Credits
Headshot credit to Karina Tobin. Rest are mine.
