Meet the Maker of the Vibe. (And your new Mahjong obsession)
If there is one thing you should know about me right out of the gate, it’s that I live for the art of gathering. Whether it’s hosting a wild monthly Bunco night, styling an over-the-top tablescape for book club, or curating a multi-course dinner with the perfect wine pairings, I am happiest when a room is full of laughter, great food, and friends. I absolutely live for a theme, and frankly, I will turn literally anything into a party.
Naturally, my husband Jeff is right there with me—serving as my official heavy-lifter, hauler, and sounding board. When I first taught him how to play Mahjong, he didn't necessarily think it would be his thing. Cut to today, and he absolutely loves it. In fact, it’s become a real fixture in our house; with six kids in our blended family, things are always busy, but most of the kids now pull up a chair and play right along with us.
Before it took over our own dining room table, I realized something was missing from my hosting repertoire. I kept seeing these gorgeous, vibrant tiles and hearing about the fast-paced camaraderie around the table. I wanted in.
The problem? Trying to learn American Mahjong felt like trying to decode a secret language--hello, ADHD! The rules seemed intimidating, the strategy felt elusive, and I couldn't find a learning experience that matched the chic, high-vibe, cocktail-in-hand energy I was looking for.
So, I decided to build it myself.
Named after one of the most iconic tiles in the deck—with a healthy splash of modern elegance—The Gilded Bam Mahjong was born. I wanted to pull back the curtain on this amazing game and make it sophisticated, accessible, and highly addictive.
Come for the strategy, stay for the vibe, and get ready to find your new obsession.
What We Do: The Art of the Game
I created The Gilded Bam Mahjong to unlock the secrets of this incredible game and make premium Mahjong instruction sophisticated, accessible, and—above all—highly addictive.
We don't just teach rules; we cultivate the lifestyle. Hosted in the beautiful setting of Somerby Golf Club, our guided experiences blend expert strategy with a stylish, high-vibe atmosphere. Think less "quiet classroom" and more "ultimate social hour" wrapped in a fabulous game night.
You’ll walk away completely obsessed with the game, while feeling good about your seat at the table—a portion of every registration directly supports the Byron Food Pantry.
Come for the strategy, stay for the vibe, and play for a purpose.
Why Choose The Gilded Bam?
- Approachable Expertise: No intimidating jargon or gatekeeping here. We break down the complexities of the game into clear and easy-to-digest lessons.
- The Shared Table: We believe the best part of the game isn’t just winning a hand; it’s the community and connections built between shuffling the tiles.
- Purpose-Driven Play: For us, community isn't just a buzzword. Having grown up in a household where resources were tight, I am deeply aware that behind the scenes of every thriving community, families are struggling to put food on the table. We anchor our business in a commitment to the local food pantry. It keeps us grounded, shows our children the power of real-world impact, and ensures our growth directly supports the neighbors who need it most.
The Table is Set... Are You Ready?
The tiles are mixed, the snacks are ready, and all that's missing is you. Whether you want to gather a group of your closest friends for a unique night out, or you're ready to master the tiles and become the ultimate Mahjong hostess in your own circle, there is always a seat for you here.
Let's shuffle the tiles, raise a glass and create something beautiful together.
"Mahjong is a beautiful tradition of strategy, style, and deep connection. Our mission is to make sure you feel confident, excited, and ready to welcome others to your own table."