Locals Launch Mah Jong-Inspired Lifestyle Brand

Mahj Obsessed, a new Atlanta-based lifestyle brand, is bringing fresh, bold style and personality to the game of mahjong, which has long been a staple in the Jewish community. Known for both competitive play and social connection, mahjong is exploding in popularity and finding new audiences.

The family-owned business is led by siblings David Tenenbaum and Stacy Tenenbaum Blaiss, Atlanta natives with deep roots in the local Jewish community. Mahjong has long been part of their lives. Their mom, Jan, has played for more than 40 years, and Stacy has been part of a mahjong group in her Johns Creek neighborhood for close to 15 years. For David’s wife, Gina, it started as a way to meet other moms when their oldest child was enrolled at the Weinstein School at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) and quickly turned into something much bigger. As David puts it, “I don’t make plans on Thursday. That’s mahj night, and it’s sacrosanct.”

That passion for the game sparked an idea for a business, after David searched for a gift for his wife and could not find anything that matched her style. He knew she didn’t just enjoy mahjong; she was obsessed – and the concept of Mahj Obsessed was born.

The vision was to create a unique customer experience for the modern mahjong player who wants bold, stylish, and unique pieces inspired by the game. In addition to a wide variety of apparel items, the company offers several wall art collections.

Many players have become more intentional about the experience at the table, investing in beautiful tile sets that reflect their personal style but mahjong-inspired artwork just didn’t exist. Whether displayed in the increasingly popular “mahjong rooms,” dedicated spaces for play, or in other areas of the home, these distinctive designs will add style and panache to any room.

David leads day-to-day operations and brings a background in luxury hospitality and real estate. Stacy, known as the “Mahj Marketer,” guides branding, marketing, and PR.

Giving back was part of the vision from the start. Mahj Obsessed is the inaugural sponsor of the mahjong tournament at the MJCCA Fifth Third Harry Maziar fundraiser, newly added alongside its annual golf tournament. The connection is personal, with both siblings having participated in camps, sports, and activities throughout their childhood, and today, David’s children are thriving at the Weinstein School.

At launch, the brand introduced capsule collections including Wordplay, Art of the Tile, Mahj Mood, and the M.O.M. Collection for “Mahj Obsessed Moms.” Gift cards are available as well. With new drops planned every six to eight weeks, and new product lines in development, the sibling duo at Mahj Obsessed is just getting started.

Mahj Obsessed is available online, with pieces you’ll want for your next game and gifts every mahjong player will love.