Photography by Chloe Reed

Sydney Rainey’s passion for the ancient game of mahjong began her trip to becoming an entrepreneur and starting her company, OK Let’s Mahjong (okletsmahjong.com). In less than a year, Rainey has built a thriving multi-city enterprise. Central to her success is her own passion for the game and her love of teaching—Rainey’s dedication to sharing her love for mahjong with others has revitalized interest in this timeless pastime by fostering a growing community of enthusiasts. 

What inspired you to start a business centered around teaching mahjong, and how did your personal journey lead you to this point?

I learned how to play back in July of 2022. I like to say after one and a half games, I was completely hooked. Three friends and I formed a regular group called the “Mahjong Mermaids,” since the first tile set we played with was ocean-themed. This hobby turned into an obsession that had me itching to play all the time. In efforts to grow my pool of people to play with, I started teaching family and friends how to play — and the more I taught, the more I understood the game and loved sharing my knowledge with others. I knew there was serious demand here in OKC to learn American mahjong, and it’s just complicated enough that the majority of people prefer to be taught rather than pick up a book or how-to guide to figure it out themselves. I realized I had a knack for teaching effectively, a network to get it started and the enthusiasm and passion to keep it going — cue new business venture!

I graduated from SMU (Southern Methodist University) with an engineering degree in management science and went on to work for PepsiCo in supply chain and logistics. When the pandemic forced everyone to work from home, I moved back to OKC to be with my now husband and closer to my family. After seven years with the company, it was time to leave the corporate world and explore my entrepreneurial dreams. One of my dear childhood friends, Libby Howard, and I started an event rental company, offering luxury tabletop pieces and decor here in OKC. Two years in that industry taught me so much, and I carry that knowledge and experience with me in all that I do for OK Let’s Mahjong. 

Mahjong is a game with a rich cultural heritage that is taking off in Oklahoma. Why do you think there is such a growing interest and demand for the game?

I truly believe that the COVID-19 pandemic reignited people’s enjoyment of at-home entertainment and spending more time with those they love. Since mahjong has been around for a very long time (Chinese mahjong arose in the early 1800s and American mahjong in the 1920s in the U.S.), older generations are teaching younger generations, bridging a gap and establishing a common interest between age groups that’s fun, social and challenges our minds in unexpected ways. People today are searching for a healthy, rejuvenating hobby in a society that glamorizes busy schedules and endless screen-time. Mahjong creates authentic community and connection via an unplugged and distraction-free experience.

Would you share a memorable story that encapsulates the joy or transformation mahjong has brought to you or your clients?

Nothing brings me more joy than hearing my students tell me about the groups they’ve formed, the weekly games they’ve scheduled and the memories they are creating around the table with their friends and family. This is a life-long game that will continue to set the stage for cherished, face-to-face interactions in a world dominated by technology.

What is the best part of your job?

There’s a new level of excitement and accomplishment that I feel when I see a student’s light bulb go off. I’ve never been in a role that engages so intimately with the client. I appreciate the vulnerability that people are sharing with me by coming to learn a brand-new (to them), slightly intimidating game — and at times admitting when they don’t understand something or lack confidence in certain rules or scenarios. I feel honored to guide people through the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with learning American mahjong.

So often entrepreneurs have to “build the plane while they are flying it,’’ especially when the demand for the services is so high. How do you manage building your business while also delivering the services and leading so many different mahjong events?

Juggling OK Let’s Mahjong’s growth, teaching classes and hosting events has been a whirlwind of learning and gradual improvement. Embracing imperfection and taking risks has been key to my progress, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and dive into new experiences with excitement and determination.

Our relationship with local businesses has been an integral part of our growth and success as well: We are able to provide unparalleled experiences with amazing partners like Bradford House, where we offer group classes and learning series in their charming Lantern Room paired with our signature mahjong cocktail menu; Cosabella Kitchen, where we host themed events and socials alongside their fabulous cuisine and cozy ambiance; and Edit & Co boutique in Edmond, where we partner with owner Katie Whitson to provide unique shopping and learning experiences surrounded by a curated collection of high-end clothing, accessories and more. We’re thrilled

to have a few more local spots involved in our new social and competitive leagues launching this spring and fall.

Looking forward, I know you already have locations in Tulsa, Sun Valley, Idaho, Houston and Amarillo. Based on the continued popularity and demand for mahjong, where do you see OK Let’s Mahjong in five years?

I foresee OK Let’s Mahjong being your go-to resource for all things mahjong. Online resources, finding community, recurring events and competitive outlets through local leagues, clubs, pop-ups and more. Maybe we’ll even start group mahjong retreats to fabulous destinations!

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build a business out of a passion for something they love?

Are you ready to eat, sleep, breathe, dream and embody your business? It’s all-consuming in the best way, but make sure you aren’t ruining what you love about it by making it your full-time job. If you love that it provides a mental escape from your day-to-day, cherish that relief and joy it brings.

Life is too short, and I’d rather risk failure than the regret of never trying. If your passion is strong enough, your selling point comes naturally. If your determination is strong enough, your success is inevitable.

What is one habit you follow that you believe has contributed to your success as an entrepreneur?

I call it “living in optimism land,” where I truly believe things are going to work out as they should. I use this phrase when I’m teaching mahjong as well. When a student gets discouraged that they can’t get the tiles they need, I encourage them to focus on how they can still pull off a win vs. spiraling and pivoting prematurely. I try to balance this philosophy while building and managing my business with agility, responsiveness and leveraging opportunities to pull off an entrepreneurial win.

Life’s small indulgences often bring us great joy. Could you share one luxiere that has become an essential part of your lifestyle?

A matcha latte a day keeps the anxiety away. It is a specially crafted beverage, less caffeine than coffee, and just as good hot or iced. I’ve tried countless matcha lattes across OKC, so maybe a review of my favorites is in order … stay tuned. •

Kati Hanna is a partner with The Mettise Group, a consulting firm focused on growth-stage companies and leaders. The Mettise Group completes a holistic evaluation of organizations and leaders to quickly and efficiently deliver an operating system that focuses on opportunities, best practices and solutions.