Mini Mahjer creators Marian Brisch and Kristin Erwin

Authors know they’ve really made it when their book is selected for Oprah’s Book Club, and entrepreneurs know they’ve made it when their products land on Oprah’s List of Favorite Things. Lake Highlands’ own Marian Brisch and Kristin Erwin are jumping for joy to see their Mini Mahjer game featured by the divine Ms. O.

Mini Mahjer is designed to teach the game of American Mahong to beginners, particularly children ages 6 and older. Brisch and Erwin recognized a need to simplify the complex, ancient Chinese game which has exploded in popularity across America and around the globe and make it accessible for children and families.

“As young girls, we watched The Oprah Winfrey Show daily,” Brisch and Erwin posted to Instagram after they learned the big news, “and we vividly remember the appearance of the Jibbitz founder (a ‘normal’ mom). How could she start a business out of her house? How did she know what to do?

“We now know the answers. Through grit, luck, and the people loving and supporting us, Mini Mahjer is a dream come true, and fulfilling our mission daily gives us the motivation to do it all over again the next day.”

Brisch and Erwin’s primary innovation is the “Mini Mahjer” card, which offers a limited number of simplified winning combinations — fewer than the 73 options on a standard card. There’s also no “Charleston” to select one’s hand, players simply draw their tiles from the pile or bag. Their game includes three levels of play — beginner, intermediate and advanced — and each participant seeks to finish their hand according to their own card and capability. The innovative game allows players to build their skills and confidence as they each progress toward the official National Mahjong League (NMJL) card.

The pair has hosted Mahjong instructional parties at Lake Highlands Women’s League meetings, Vector Brewing and other neighborhood locations.

Products available on their site include a $40 starter set, a $25 pink tile & travel bag and a $150 complete game.

“Family game night is something we truly want to bring back — no screens, no distractions,” they say. “Just pure, genuine, unforgettable fun.”

Mini Mahjer

Marian Brisch teaches Mahjong to LH women.