Meet the Queen Bee: How Fort-Worth Mom Built the Mahj Club

Mahjong has a way of bringing people together—the rhythmic shuffle of tiles, the friendly competition, the shared laughter over a clever move. For Amanda Wolsey, founder of The Mahj Club in Fort Worth, this centuries-old game is more than just a pastime; it’s a bridge between tradition and modern connection, a way to slow down and savor the moment. Her journey from casual player to the city’s go-to Mahjong mentor is a story of passion, community, and a little luck.

Amanda’s love for the game runs deep. A Fort Worth native, she grew up attending Paschal High School before heading to The University of Texas at Austin, where she began dating her husband, another Fort Worth native. After college, they returned home to start their adult life- Amanda, a 5th grade teacher and Coleman in Oil and Gas, which eventually moved them to Pittsburgh, PA. In Pittsburgh Amanda was invited to join a group who were already seasoned Mahjong enthusiasts. And so her addiction quickly began!

After the birth of their 1st child, Amanda and Coleman moved back to Fort Worth to raise their four children, now ages 12, 10, 8, and 4. Amid the busyness of parenting, volunteering with the Tanglewood and McLean PTAs, and her involvement in the National Charity League, Amanda found herself drawn to Mahjong. She learned to play back in 2010—long before it gained popularity across the U.S. What captivated her wasn’t just the game itself but its rich history, the stories woven into every tile and rule.

For years, she played simply for the joy of it. But Mahjong requires four players, and finding a group to play with wasn’t always easy. She began teaching friends the basics, and word spread quickly. Before she knew it, she was being asked to teach entire groups. When a close friend began insisting she start charging for her time, Amanda hesitated. She hadn’t set out to build a business—she just loved sharing the game. But the demand was undeniable, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students loved how she blended strategy with storytelling, turning each lesson into a journey through Mahjong’s cultural roots.

What started as informal gatherings soon outgrew its casual beginnings. Amanda realized her students craved more than just instruction—they wanted a place to gather, a space where the game could be the centerpiece of an entire experience. That vision became a clubhouse, known as The Hive, a stylish clubhouse where players can take lessons, host private events, or simply drop in for a game with friends. The name is a nod to Amanda’s belief in the power of community. "Bees work together, communicate, and create something beautiful," she says. "That’s exactly what happens at a Mahjong table."

In a world where screens dominate our attention, Amanda sees Mahjong as a rare opportunity for what she calls "intentional socialization." There’s no scrolling through phones during a game—just conversation, strategy, and the kind of laughter that comes from being fully present. And while some still picture Mahjong as a game for "old ladies in sundresses," Amanda is determined to shift that perception. Her students range from college students to retirees, from competitive players to those just looking for a fun night out. "It’s not just a game," she says. "It’s a lifestyle."

Behind every great venture is a great partnership, and Amanda’s right-hand woman, Bethany, has been instrumental in growing The Mahj Club from a passion project into a thriving business. Bethany, a fellow Fort Worth mom and Mahjong enthusiast, joined Amanda with a knack for event planning and operations, helping to refine the club’s offerings and expand its reach. Together, they’ve created a space where tradition meets modern luxury, where every visit feels like an occasion.

The Mahj Club is more than just a place to play—it’s a celebration of connection, creativity, and the timeless appeal of a game that brings people together. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, Amanda and her team welcome you to pull up a chair, shuffle the tiles, and discover the magic for yourself. After all, as she likes to say, "Mahjong isn’t just a game. It’s an experience." And at The Mahj Club, they’re here to make sure you love every minute of it.

So, what’s the buzz about? Come find out. The Hive is waiting.