The Making of Mahj Studios

Founded on Hospitality. Inspired by Connection. Built Around Mahjong.

Founded by Karen Landis, a hospitality entrepreneur with a passion for creating memorable experiences, Mahj Studios was born from the belief that Mahjong is more than a game; it is a reason to slow down, gather intentionally, and connect face to face.

With a career rooted in hospitality, Karen has spent years designing experiences that bring people together. As the founder of Pop + Fizz, she built her reputation around thoughtful details, elevated celebrations, and creating environments where people feel welcomed and cared for. Her background in event design, guest experience, and hosting has given her a unique understanding of what transforms a gathering from ordinary into unforgettable.

When Karen discovered Mahjong, she immediately connected with the way the game brought people together. What began as a personal passion quickly became a deeper appreciation for the ritual surrounding it, the conversations shared around the table, the friendships formed between hands, and the sense of belonging created through intentional gathering.

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Karen's Christmas Mahjong Party and her first Mahjong!

Galentine's Mahjong Party

Like many Mahjong enthusiasts, Karen loved hosting games in her own home. She carefully set the table, welcomed friends, and created meaningful moments around the game she had grown to love. But as her gatherings grew, so did the need for a space that could accommodate the community she was building. She began to imagine something more: a dedicated destination designed specifically for Mahjong — a place where every detail, from the atmosphere to the experience, was thoughtfully curated around the joy of the game.

Karen wanted Mahjong to become part of her own weekly ritual: a dedicated time to step away from the pace of everyday life, reconnect with friends, and embrace the simple gift of being fully present around the table.

A dedicated space for this kind of gathering didn't exist. So, with her hospitality background and passion for intentional design, she set out to create it.

Throughout her career, Karen has built her expertise around designing immersive spaces and experiences, often creating environments that are beautifully brought to life for a moment in time. Mahj Studios represents something uniquely meaningful: the opportunity to pour that same passion for thoughtful design, hospitality, and connection into a lasting space. A place where people can return week after week, where friendships can grow, and where Mahjong can become a meaningful part of everyday life.

That vision became Mahj Studios, a modern Mahjong destination designed to make the game feel both accessible and elevated. A place created for learning, gathering, and connection, where every seat at the table invites a new conversation, and every visit feels like coming home.