Our Story

About Mahj à la Mode

Mahjong is more than a game—it is a tradition of connection, strategy, and shared moments that span generations. At Mahj à la Mode, we honor that tradition by creating beautifully crafted tiles and accessories that bring a fresh perspective to the table while respecting the game's rich heritage.

Mahj à la Mode was created for players who appreciate timeless elegance, thoughtful details, and enduring quality.

Our designs draw inspiration from the worlds of fashion and interiors blending bold patterns and sophisticated color palettes that express individual style without compromising functionality. From our signature acrylic tiles to our coordinating mats, racks, storage cases, and accessories, every piece is thoughtfully developed to create a cohesive and elevated Mahjong experience.

We carefully consider every detail—from the feel of each tile in your hand to the design chosen for our cases and accessories—to ensure every product is crafted with beauty and performance in mind.

Our collections are designed to become cherished pieces, accompanying countless games, celebrations, and memories for years to come.

Rooted in tradition. Expressed through modern elegance.

Welcome to Mahj à la Mode. Where timeless craftsmanship meets contemporary luxury.

About the Founder

Photo of Rafiq and Kim from Mahj a la Mode Photo of Rafiq and Kim from Mahj a la Mode

Hi, I’m Kim the founder of Mahj a la Mode. Like so many modern Mahjong players, my journey began around a neighborhood table.

In the months following the COVID shutdown, a group of women in my neighborhood began gathering every other week to play Mahjong. We had known one another for years through neighborhood socials, sharing the occasional glass of wine and friendly conversations, but something remarkable happened when we started meeting around the Mahjong table.

The game created a different kind of connection. As the tiles were shuffled and hands were played, stories were shared, laughter became effortless, and friendships deepened. We came from different generations, backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences, yet none of those differences mattered. Mahjong brought us together in a way few things can.

Those evenings became some of the most meaningful moments of my life.

While I wasn't fortunate enough to learn Mahjong from my mother or grandmother, I believe the game found me exactly when I needed it. For that, I will always be grateful.

My hope is that our Mahj à la Mode collection becomes part of your own story—bringing people together, fostering meaningful connections, and creating traditions that will be cherished for generations to come.

My educational background is in journalism, and curiosity has always shaped the way I approach something new. When I discovered Mahjong, I became immersed in learning everything I could about the game—its history, symbolism, traditions, and cultural origins. I read books, listened to podcasts, and followed educators and collectors, eager to understand the rich story behind every tile.

When I starting thinking about designing a tile set, I knew I didn't want to simply create beautiful tiles—I wanted to preserve the meaning and heritage that have defined Mahjong for generations. Every collection is thoughtfully crafted with deep respect for the game's history.

When my vision began to take shape, I knew exactly who I wanted to bring on the journey.

Before founding Mahj à la Mode, I held executive roles in both the music and horse racing industries, and later worked at a creative ad agency, where I developed branding and advertising campaigns for a diverse range of clients.

At the agency, I had the privilege of working alongside Rafiq, an exceptionally talented creative who is gifted at transforming ideas into compelling visual stories. He had an uncanny ability to take the crazy ideas swirling around in my mind and distill them into something beautifully clear and purposeful.

In addition to design, Rafiq is incredibly talented in illustration, painting, cooking and baking. And most importantly, he is one of the most generous and kind humans I have ever met.

After a single Zoom conversation, Mahj à la Mode was no longer just an idea—it became a brand and Rafiq became it’s creative director.