Meet Kristel Powell | Oh My Mahjong Instructor & Founder of Troop Mahjong

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristel Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It all started with a love for gathering people. I’ve always been the friend who plans the themed dinner, the girls’ trip, the game night—and when I discovered mahjong, it was like the perfect mix of strategy, style, and socializing. I couldn’t stop thinking, “Why isn’t this everywhere?” So I started teaching friends, designing cute accessories, and before I knew it, Troop Mahjong was born. It’s a business, yes—but more than that, it’s a way to build community, celebrate friendship, and make space for joy and creativity!

My company Troop Mahjong was created from my love of the film Troop Beverly Hills and my love of mahjong.

What should our readers know about your business?
Troop Mahjong is more than a business—it’s a community built around connection, confidence, and creativity. I teach American mahjong in a way that’s approachable, stylish, and fun, with events that feel like a cross between summer camp, girls’ night, and a themed dinner party. One of the things I’m most proud of is the Troop Mahjong Merit Sticker system I created. They’re inspired by Girl Scout badges, but with a mahjong twist—players earn them as they win on different hands, learn new strategies, and as they celebrate different milestones. It adds this playful layer of achievement and gives both new and seasoned players something to celebrate!

Getting here wasn’t easy. Starting a business, especially one centered around a new product idea—can feel like you’re constantly explaining yourself. But I stuck to my gut and stayed rooted in joy. I hosted one event, then another, and watched the magic happen as women connected over the Troop Mahjong Merit Stickers. I love being able to watch as women want to learn/try new hands on the card to earn different Merit Stickers. The Merit Stickers are a fun way to encourage players to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, all while earning fun stickers to collect.

I’ve learned that consistency and heart matter way more than perfection.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about Troop Mahjong, it’s that it’s a celebration—of mahjong, of sisterhood, of trying something new. I am here to make mahjong beautiful, social, and something you can’t wait to be part of.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Troop Mahjong would not exist without the incredible women around me—my family, my friends, my community. But if I had to shout out one person, it would be my mom. She’s the one who taught me how to host a beautiful table, how to make people feel welcome, and how to follow my creative instincts. She always told me that the things that make me “extra” were actually my superpowers. And of course, my husband and close circle of girlfriends—they’ve cheered me on every step of the way, helped set up events, play-tested my ideas, and reminded me to keep going even when I felt unsure. This isn’t a solo mission—it’s a troop effort.

Website: https://www.TroopMahjong.com

Instagram: @TroopMahjong