Behind the Tiles: Mah Jongg Maven
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We Mahj was thrilled to sit down with Debbie Katz, owner of the longtime and beloved company Mah Jongg Maven. In this interview, Debbie shares the story behind the brand and what’s next for the company. Read on to learn more — and explore links to some of her standout products, plus a special We Mahj promo code.
When Mah Jongg Maven first launched in 1997, the world of American mahjong looked very different than it does today. Only a handful of companies manufactured mahjong tiles and accessories, and options were limited. Today, there are more than 100 small online businesses producing tiles and game accessories, along with countless independent makers on Etsy and mass-produced sets sold on major retail sites like Amazon. But with nearly three decades of experience comes something that can’t be replicated overnight: time-tested expertise, refined manufacturing processes, and a consistently high standard of detail.
Mah Jongg Maven’s current owner, Debbie Katz, took over the business three years ago. Founded in Georgia, the company had previously changed hands twice, with both former owners building a loyal customer base that relied heavily on printed catalogs to browse and order tiles and accessories.
When Debbie — herself a longtime mahjong player — purchased the company in 2022, she ushered Mah Jongg Maven into a new era. She retired the catalog format and modernized the website, making it more user-friendly and accessible to today’s players while preserving the brand’s long-standing reputation for quality.
Mah Jongg Maven may be best known for its customized jokers. Nearly every tile set on the website can be upgraded to include eight personalized jokers, allowing players to transform their sets into something truly one of a kind.
“It’s a great way to express your personality,” Debbie says, noting that customers have commissioned jokers featuring first names, beloved pets, and even playful nods to their favorite hobbies like knitting or shopping.This customization option has made Mah Jongg Maven a go-to choice for meaningful gifts and commemorative sets.
One of Mah Jongg Maven’s most popular sets is the Chicklet set, which features backs in five rich jewel tones. The colorful tiles are three-layer, engraved, and hand-painted. Like most of the company’s sets, the Chicklet set can also be customized with eight unique jokers.
Beyond customization, Mah Jongg Maven’s tile sets strike a rare balance between beauty, durability, and practicality. The sets feature traditional Craks, Bams, Dots, Winds, and Dragons in bold, beautifully engraved, hand-painted designs. Many sets also include distinctive tile backs with vibrant colors, sparkles, or other eye-catching details.
Because the tiles are solid, easy to read, and built to last, they’ve become a favorite among tournament players. In fact, more than half of the sets used at popular Mah Jongg Fever tournaments are from Mah Jongg Maven — a testament to both their quality and playability.
At the same time, Debbie has embraced innovation. While honoring the traditional elements players know and love, she has begun expanding the line to appeal to a growing audience interested in more modern aesthetics. Two artist collaborations are currently in production.
The Royal Garden set, expected to be released in Spring 2026, features a fresh take on traditional suits with three-layer tiles in rich jewel tones, designed by artist Tegan Wolfepack. The Daza Love & Peace set — a collaboration with artist Brian Dressler of Daza Mahjong — brings a playful, psychedelic energy to the table with guitar bams, flip-flop craks, VW Bug winds, “flower power” flowers, and jokers adorned with peace signs and the word “Love.” Slated for release in Spring 2026, the set stays true to Mah Jongg Maven’s roots by ensuring that, despite the whimsical designs, suits remain easy to distinguish during play.
As for Debbie, being at the helm of Mah Jongg Maven is a dream come true. “I get to play on all of my different sets to test them out — it’s so fun,” she says. Debbie oversees every aspect of the operation, from hiring designers to ensuring orders are sent out in a timely manner.
“I get excited about everything new that we do,” she adds, noting that the latest addition to the Mah Jongg Maven website is a waterproof card holder.
That card holder is just one of many practical accessories available on the site, which also includes racks, mats, dice, chips, and cases. You’ll also find unique, gift-worthy pieces, such as mahjong-themed salt and pepper shakers and a beautiful sterling silver mahjong bracelet
Below are the items featured in this article, along with a few of our favorites from the Mah Jongg Maven collection. As a bonus, We Mahj readers can enjoy 5% off these items and more with the promo code WEMAHJ.
Featured in This Article
Chicklet Mahjong Set
Customized Engraved Jokers
Royal Garden Mahjong Set
Daza Mahjong Love & Peace Mahjong Set
Waterproof Mahjong Card Holder
Mahjong Salt and Pepper Shakers
Sterling Silver Mahjong Bracelet
Some We Mahj Favorites
Granite Design Mahjong Set
Blue Sparkle Mahjong Set
Colorful, Fun Mat
LV-inspired Mahjong Carrying Case
Siamese Mahjong Racks
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