Aloha Mahj began with three sisters, a Christmas gift, and a new love for American Mahjong.

Over the holidays, the three sisters learned to play together. There were tiles everywhere, plenty of questions, a few questionable Charlestons, lots of laughter—and before long, they were hooked.

When the holidays were over, everyone went back to real life.

One sister wanted to keep playing but couldn’t find games that fit around her work schedule, so she started her own group. That group eventually grew into "Mahjong Meets Moxie" and "The Mahj Salon" podcast and YouTube show.

Another sister went back to a demanding work schedule that left very little room for Mahjong.

And the youngest sister went home to Kauai.

But she took her love of American Mahjong with her.

She missed the game, but even more, she missed what happened "around the table"—the laughter, the conversation, the friendships, and the way Mahjong brings people together.

So she decided to create that community at home.

PHOTO CREDIT: Taken at our first lesson at Clementine's Closet