Simply Mahj
Meet Holly Patel
Owner / Creator / Instuctor/ Facilitator
Holly Patel is a devoted wife, proud band Mom, and self-proclaimed mahjong enthusiast who found her calling one tile at a time. Growing up playing Chinese and Filipino Mahjong, Holly always had the game in her blood but when she discovered American Mahjong in August 2024, something clicked. She was hooked, and she never looked back. What started as a personal passion quickly grew into a mission to build a space where everyone could experience the joy, connection, and pure fun that mahjong brings.
With a BA in Psychology from UTSA and a Master's in School Counseling from Lamar University, Holly has always been a teacher and community builder at heart. Creating Simply Mahj was the perfect collision of everything she loves — people, learning, and of course, tiles! When she's not running classes or hosting events, you'll find her at home binge-watching her favorite shows or planning her next cruise adventure. She truly believes mahjong has no borders — so don't be surprised if you spot her on a mahjong cruise somewhere around the world! 🀄✈️
Our Story
The Simply Mahj Story
Simply Mahj was born from a dream — literally! In April 2025, founder Holly Patel woke up with a vision of teaching mahjong and decided the very same day to make it a reality. The name was chosen with purpose — to bring accessibility and simplicity to a game that many feel intimidated to learn. What started as a passion project quickly became a full lifestyle brand, complete with a signature tile line, a competitive social league, and a thriving community across the Greater Houston Area. The dream is very much alive, and the best tiles are still yet to come! 🀄✨
Meet our Team
We are a group of Mahjong Enthusiasts.
Our Mission is to make you fall in love with Mahjong just as much as we have!
Lisa Stratton
Event Facilitator / Retail Associate
About me:
Hi, I’m Lisa, a local mom of two here in the Cinco area! I learned to play mahjong a little over a year ago and quickly fell in love with the connections and sense of community the game creates. When I’m not at the mahjong table, you can usually find me reading, indulging in delightfully bad reality TV, or tackling pickleball with enthusiastic beginner energy. I’m so excited to be part of the Simply Mahjong team and can’t wait to play with you!
Kiara Thompson
Event Facilitator / Retail Associate
About me:
I’m an education administrator by day and a mahjong enthusiast by passion. I started playing in May after a friend taught me and instantly saw how it brings women together as a fun, relaxing, and mentally stimulating outlet. I’m also a mom to a fun-loving 6-year-old daughter who plays mahjong alongside me, and we enjoy traveling, trying new adventures, and making memories together.
Natalie Halladay
Event Facilitator / Retail Associate
About me:
Natalie is a Nurse Practitioner by trade who fell in love with the game of American Mahjong for the way it effortlessly gathers women around a table — blending strategy, laughter, and just the right amount of friendly competition. For Natalie, the game is more than tiles on a table — it’s a space where women can step away from daily life, challenge their minds, and build lasting friendships.
When she’s not working or playing Mahjong, Natalie enjoys traveling with her family and caring for her lively menagerie of pets.