Mahj Girl Society Opens Sarasota–Manatee's First Dedicated Mahjong Social Club, Plans Guinness World Record Attempt

Sarasota–Manatee's first dedicated mahjong social club, Mahj Girl Society, will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, September 2 at 5 p.m. at Georgie's Garden Café at UTC. Founder Sasha Stapleton, a Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur, aims to create a clubhouse atmosphere where people can gather to play, learn, and socialize. The opening sets the stage for an ambitious January event: a Guinness World Record attempt for the most people playing mahjong simultaneously, with a goal of attracting over 2,500 players and raising money for local charities.

The club will operate Wednesday through Sunday, offering open play, private and group lessons, tournaments, themed events, creative workshops, and casual spaces for relaxation and socializing. Members can enjoy perks such as free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and merchandise discounts, while non-members can access experiences à la carte. Georgie's will host the club temporarily while Mahj Girl Society prepares to open a permanent location in Lakewood Ranch later this year.

Stapleton, who originally hails from England and has lived in the area for over six years, brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to the venture. She owns a local printing operation and an SEO company, and founded The Hedgehog Hollow, a creative brand that grew into a seven-figure business. The Mahj Girl Society's branding draws inspiration from the traditional Willow Pattern china her grandparents owned, paying homage to her family's history with mahjong.

“What we're creating is not simply a mahjong room,” Stapleton said. “I want it to feel like a clubhouse — somewhere you can come by yourself, meet people, play, create, have a drink, learn something new, or just sit with a coffee and be part of a community.”

The January record attempt coincides with Stapleton's 40th birthday, a milestone she wanted to mark with a significant community impact. “Turning 40 feels like the beginning of a completely new chapter,” she explained. “I wanted to do something huge — something that brings thousands of people together and, most importantly, leaves our community better because we did it.” The Society will collaborate with local charities, schools, and community groups to maximize the event's benefit.

While digital platforms have introduced mahjong to a new generation, the Mahj Girl Society emphasizes the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction. “An app can teach you what the tiles look like, but it can't recreate four people sitting around a table together,” said Maddelyn Banham, Director of Community & Digital Engagement. “We live so much of our lives through screens now. Mahjong gives people a reason to put their phones down and actually be present with the people across from them.”

Despite the name, the club welcomes everyone. “Mahj Girl is the personality of the brand, not a restriction on who gets a seat,” Stapleton said. The community spans all genders, ages (from 10 to 100), and skill levels, and the Society is open to collaborating with other local mahjong organizations.

As the club opens its doors, it kicks off a year of programming that includes regular open play every Wednesday, Learn to Play sessions, and special events like an Alice in Wonderland–themed Mahjong Tea Party. Details about the January world record attempt, including venue, registration, participating charities, and sponsorship opportunities, will be announced as preparations continue.