Exploring Life & Business with Ronni Rice of Marvelous Mrs Mahj

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronni Rice.

Ronni, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born into a Mahj family – my Mom, Grandmother, Aunt and all their friends, played American Mahjong all the time. My Mom begged to teach me, but I thought it was an “old lady” game, and had no interest. It wasn’t until my kids were in elementary school (2009) when a group of us Moms learned how to play, and I was bitten by the Mahj bug!! I’m just happy my Mother lived long enough to say “Told you so!” to me!!! I started teaching in 2019, and Marvelous Mrs Mahj was born in 2022. There is (almost) nothing I love more than sharing my passion for this complex, yet very fun and addictive game. I now know that I was born to become a Mahjong teacher!!!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting my own business has had it’s fair share of challenges. At the beginning, it was hard to fill a class. It was depressing waiting and having no one show up!! It took me about two years to start to really build a business, mostly through word of mouth and limited posting on NextDoor and other local apps, Given how “trendy” Mahjong has become, now everyone is becoming a Mahjong teacher, and I am now having to learn how to navigate social media and to keep my experience and reputation as standing out from the rest of the pack!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Marvelous Mrs Mahj?
Marvelous Mrs Mahj was born out of my passion for teaching American Mahjong. I teach only the actual National Mah Jongg League rules, proper etiquette, and all the correct rituals. I teach with lots of patience, passion and humor! Because of my reputation, I teach at UCLA, The Skirball Center, private clubs and homes all over the City, at my home in Encino, and anywhere where people want to learn!!! I will travel anywhere to teach this game I am so passionate about. What sets me apart from others is that I am not a “brand ambassador”, so I don’t push any products or company. I believe in building a Mahjong community, one tile at a time. I always say “Mahj Friends are the BEST Friends”!!!

I am beyond proud and honored to announce that my husband produced a “love letter” to me – a Hallmark Channel movie, inspired by my life. “All’s Fair in Love and Mahjong” airing on May 9 on the Hallmark Channel, and next day available on Hallmark+. This movie shares my passion for teaching, and a woman embarking on her second chapter in life.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Frist, and foremost, I have to thank my family. They have been my biggest cheerleaders and support. It is a requirement in my family that everyone has to play. Including my son-in-law, who I wouldn’t give my blessing to marry my daughter unless he learned how to play! He is now the most competitive player in the family!! They all work as my assistants, my table and tile schleppers, and co-teachers when I am in need. I also have to thank my “Mahj Friends” family, as they are also my biggest source of support. It truly takes a Village!!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marvelousmrsmahj.com
• Instagram: MarvelousMrsMahj
• Facebook: MarvelousMrsMahj
• Youtube: coming soon!
• Yelp: Marvelous Mrs Mahj