Lessons learned: What went right and what went wrong in 2025 for Missy Mahjong

If I am being totally honest, I don’t have a plan for Missy Mahjong or the social clubs. I have goals and I always stay aligned with my mission to raise money for local charities and build community. But an actual plan? I don’t have a clue! As we start 2026, I am reflecting on what went right and what went wrong in 2025. I learned some lessons and I am improving for 2026.

Social clubs

What went wrong: City specific Social clubs

I couldn’t keep my head above water this year. Specific city clubs were way too much to handle for one person. I was attempting to run four total websites, four NEWSletters and teach in three cities. I was overwhelmed. Have I mentioned I do all of this for free? Yep. This year was a lot.

What went right: Players traveled

I learned that the city specific clubs didn’t have boundaries. People from Nashville played in Lake Geneva. Players from Lake Geneva traveled to Nashville. And Chicago players? Well, they went everywhere! Over Christmas I played games in Lake Geneva with mahjong friends from Nashville, Chicago, Houston, and Naples. I have grown by playing with so many different players- regional mahjong is a thing, y'all!

Lesson Learned: I am just Missy Mahjong

I am only focusing on one brand: Missy Mahjong. I encourage players to join whatever games I am planning at that time. I'm always on the go and I attracted other players that appreciate my lifestyle. I am attempting to host retreats and more events with hotels, to encourage the mixing of regional mahjong games.

Mahjong Lessons

What went wrong: I overbooked myself with in-home lessons

I overbooked myself with in-home private lessons. I neglected my family on weeknights. I had so many people reaching out that I just couldn’t accommodate half of them. I couldn’t offer follow up lessons and had little flexibility with scheduling. And the most obvious: I couldn’t be in three cities all the time.

What went right: I found great mahjong teachers

I developed a network of amazing teachers in Lake Geneva, Chicago and Nashville.  The teaching is consistent and they use my teaching sheet that I developed. We all share a fun and welcoming approach to teaching the game.

Lesson Learned: A good network is powerful

This year I am only going to teach larger fundraisers and higher donation lessons. I have a great network of teachers in all three cities that I can rely on to share the game of mahjong.

Fundraisers

What went wrong: We sold out in hours

The fundraisers sold out too quickly. People who wanted to come and support the mission couldn’t secure a ticket. Also, the prices were too inexpensive. Nobody thought twice to just buy the ticket just to have an option to attend the event.

What went right: Missy Mahjong events had energy!

Players were always positive, fun and supported the cause. The giveaways and social play were extremely successful. The room always had a positive energy!

Lesson learned: Raise ticket prices and find bigger venues

Once players sit down, they won’t want to worry about making additional donations. The higher ticket price should capture more of the financial goals.

Social media

What went wrong: Instagram doesn’t align with my values

I don’t enjoy the platform because I am constantly bombarded with salespeople. My “friends” are selling me new tiles, mats and accessories or telling me how to play. The advice and strategies are often wrong or opinionated. Personally, there was a pressure to keep posting. Do I need to tell everyone how much fun we were having at social clubs or post a photo of winning racks? No. But I saw everyone else doing it, so I felt obligated.

What went right: I saw pictures to go with the stories

I was able to connect with players and interact with their personal lives. I like to see the photos of their families or animals. We talk at the table, and it is fun to see photos to go with their stories.

Lesson learned: Interact with personal accounts

I’m not following other teachers or all the new tile companies anymore. I want to connect with players. And I might connect with you on my personal account. Yes, if it looks like me it probably is my private account. Oh, and I am going to stay off the platform most of the time. A little mystery about what I am doing or what I am planning keeps things interesting!

Retreats

What went wrong: I overbooked myself. Again.

Retreats had too many people and I went to places I wouldn’t stay myself. The worst feeling was leaving my kids with a sitter to go hang out for a weekend somewhere I didn't love.

What went right: The connection is unlike anything else

Spending a weekend with like-minded people is therapy. I learned so much about other players and made great friends. We talk about all the things we can’t cover in a two-hour game at open play. We do so much more than play mahjong on a retreat. The experience is what we all crave as humans: real connection.

Lesson learned: I am selective

I am selective about the places I will go in the future. The retreats need to stay smaller. I am sharing the responsibility of the weekends with my co teachers so I can be present for my husband and kids. Overall, I need to stay true to my own values. If I am going anywhere, it’s to only the best places with activities that align with my interests.

Lessons Learned and looking forward in 2026

I hope that we can connect in 2026. I am taking the roses and thorns from 2025 and constantly improving. I will continue to build my brand to reflect the core principles of philanthropy and community building, one tile at a time.