Brooke Flores
The First Tile: I kept seeing Mahjong all over social media, and it just looked like such a fun way to gather with friends and escape the everyday grind for a few hours. I finally convinced a group of girlfriends to learn and play with me, and from the very first game, we were hooked. The rest is history.
The North Wind Way: My teaching style is equal parts strategic and fun. I’m naturally a fast-paced, competitive player who loves playing offense, but I also love teaching the defensive side of Mahjong, thinking outside the box, and helping people really grasp the multitasking that comes with learning and playing the game.
Beyond the Rack: California girl at heart, but Texas has completely won me over since moving here six years ago. I love Jesus, I’m a proud boy mom to three sons, married to my hunky husband, and work as a registered nurse in my day job. In my spare time, you’ll usually find me with my family, near a beach, and holding a coffee or some bubbles.
The Winning Hand: My favorite thing about Mahjong is honestly the vibes. Give me a beautiful tablescape, the sound of washing tiles, and a fun group around the table, and I’m happy. I’m a neutral girl at heart, so naturally I’ll always have a soft spot for anything tortoise shell.
Founder/Socials
Kenna Glendening
The First Tile: What started as a reluctant girls’ night out quickly became a full-fledged Mahjong obsession. I was first drawn in by the beauty of the tiles and thoughtfully curated tablescapes, but it was the joy of learning something new and mentally engaging that truly captured me. From that moment on, I was hooked.
The North Wind Way: My approach to teaching Mahjong is simple: keep it fun, welcoming, and pressure-free. I believe mistakes are part of the learning process, and my goal is always to encourage new players with patience and confidence so they leave the table excited to play again.
Beyond the Rack: Outside of Mahjong, I’m a wife to my amazing husband, mother of two, and a devoted follower of Jesus. My son is a proud Baylor Bear, and my daughter just finished her junior year in high school. I can be found supporting my children in their activities or planning our next travel adventure. Professionally, I work as an Interior Designer for a custom home builder, and creativity has always been a meaningful part of who I am. Mahjong has become another beautiful creative outlet that speaks to my soul.
The Winning Hand: More than anything, I love the community Mahjong creates. Gathering around the table with friends, sharing laughter, sipping bubbles, and celebrating a good Birdie Bam always leaves me feeling connected and refreshed — like something special just happened. And if I can get a Mahjong with a winds and dragons hand, you can count me in.
Founder/Creative
Crystal Goforth
The First Tile: My love for mahjong began on a girls' night out and quickly grew into a business built alongside my best friends. Together as career-driven women, we turned our shared passion for the game into a venture designed to bring people together over the tiles.
The North Wind Way: I teach mahjong with an informal, edgy vibe that keeps things fun, but don't worry—I also have all the patience in the world for beginners. Whether you need the basic rules explained five times or you're an expert looking for advanced tactical tips, I make sure everyone levels up at their own pace.
Beyond the Rack: Off the clock, my life is a fun mix of corporate strategy as a project manager at USAA, traveling with my husband, and channeling my creativity into interior decorating. Most of my free time is spent supporting my two daughters in competitive cheerleading—and after a packed week of project deadlines, cheer comps, and teaching mahjong, you can find me unwinding with a crisp glass of champagne.
The Winning Hand: My absolute favorite part of this journey is watching people fall in love with mahjong just like I did, seeing firsthand how the game beautifully brings people together. I love the mental spark it provides—forcing me to use parts of my brain that stay quiet during the day job—just as much as I love the creative side of styling gorgeous tile tablescapes. For me, it’s about more than just a game; it's a vibrant community where we can intentionally lift up and support other women-owned businesses along the way, and I’m beyond grateful to share this space with you!
Founder/Program Mgmt
Tiffany Moake
The First Tile: I first learned how to play mahjong with a group of moms from my son’s high school. We hired a teacher to come to do an in-home session with a dozen of us and then I was hooked. I fell in love and kept playing as much as I could.
The North Wind Way: I like to have fun and laugh when I teach. Settling in with the players and truly making the game of mahjong a great experience. I encourage clients to trust the game along with a little bit of luck. Everything always comes together.
Beyond the Rack: I’m a native San Antonian and graduate of Texas Tech University. I’ve been married for 24 years and have two boys, Owen(20; studying pre-law at Auburn) and Oliver(18; starting his senior year at SACS.) I'm a medical specialist for Regeneron and call on local dermatologists. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, baking sourdough, fitness and mahjong.
The Winning Hand: My favorite part of mahjong is the beautiful tablescape. If money grew on trees, I would have so many sets. I love playing with my business partners and teaching new friends.
Founder/Affiliate Programs
April Ontiveros
The First Tile: My introduction to Mahjong was through the iconic scenes of The Joy Luck Club, and then absolutely nothing happened for a million years until my friend Brooke finally dragged me to the table. One shuffle and I was done for. Hooked for life. Thanks, Brooke.
The North Wind Way: I'm a hands-on teacher. I'll give you just enough tile-to-card logic to get your feet under you, and then I want your hands on the tiles because that's where it actually clicks. You learn Mahjong by playing Mahjong.
Beyond the Rack: I wear a lot of hats; child of God, daughter, wife, mom, sister, friend, proud Aggie, and longtime H-E-B Partner. I’ve been married to Cesar, my greatest supporter, for 24 years and we have two boys, Noah (21) and Seth (17). They are our greatest treasures. When I'm not at the table, I'm traveling, catching a Broadway show, filling approximately fourteen online shopping carts, or just being with my people.
The Winning Hand: The joy is in the details for me. I love washing the tiles, a perfectly built wall, and a tablescape that's gorgeous. A beautiful game is a winning game.
Founder/Technology
Stacey Schuetze
The First Tile: My friend group of Junior moms got together for a girls night to learn how to play and I fell in love with the first tile click. I was all in from that night on; I bought the tiles, the mat and racks and started playing weekly. So thankful for that girls night!
The North Wind Way: I was a first grade teacher, so I like to teach with a simple, visual, hands on approach. I like to simplify it and see the big picture first, start with the basic building blocks before adding strategy. Then you just have to put your hands on the tiles and play!
Beyond the Rack: Lover of Jesus, wife to my best friend, proud mom to my children. When I am not teaching mahjong, I am teaching kids about Jesus at BSF and teaching parents about creating open communication in their homes through NextTalk. I am passionate about meaningful connection and encouraging faith. In my spare time, I love traveling, trying flavorful foods, spending time with family and friends, and getting lost in a good book.
The Winning Hand: From the first tablescape I saw, mahjong drew me in with how it challenged my brain to think in new ways while also creating meaningful community around the table with both old and new friends. Now that is a winning hand!
Founder/Lead Instructor & Curriculum
