ABOUT US
Mahjonista & The Parlor are the Upper Cumberland's destination for all things American Mahjong, bringing together education, events, style, and community under one roof. We believe mahjong is more than a game; it's a reason to gather, connect, unwind, and create lasting friendships around the table.
Founded in 2025 by Julia Gaffaney, Mahjonista began with a simple mission: make mahjong approachable, welcoming, and fun. What started with a few lessons and a passion for sharing the game quickly grew into a vibrant community of players, curated mahjong collections, private events, corporate experiences, and a dedicated space to learn and play at The Parlor.
Today, Mahjonista is powered by a growing team of passionate instructors. Whether you're picking up your first tile, hosting a private event, shopping for the perfect mahjong setup, or joining us for social play, we're here to help you find confidence, connection, and a seat at the table.
HI!
I'm julia!
Some women find yoga. Some find running. I found mahjong — and I am never going back.
I'm Julia Gaffaney, and I'll be the first to admit I came to this game late. I was building a career, deep in motherhood, running a household — doing all the things that quietly consume you until one day you look up and realize you have nothing that's just yours. No hobby. No social life that wasn't somebody else's event on somebody else's schedule. I kept telling myself I was too busy, that it could wait, that women like me didn't really need that. And I believed it. For a long time, I really believed it.
Then I sat down at a mahjong table.
Something woke up. Not just my brain — though the strategy alone had me obsessed from game one — but something deeper. Something that was entirely mine. I had a passion that didn't belong to my job or my family or anyone else's schedule. I had something I was burning to get better at. I had women I wanted to see every single week. I had a reason to gather — and gathering, it turns out, is what I was made for.
The Mahjonista was built on that feeling.
Which brings me to the part where I mention I also happen to own a boutique.
My mother, Jongee Cheek, opened our doors in Sparta, Tennessee in 1985. For four decades we've been the trusted personal shoppers, stylists, and gift curators for generations of women in this community — the people you call when you need the outfit that actually works or the gift that really lands. We've dressed mothers and their daughters and their daughters' daughters. We know what makes a woman feel like herself. And we know what makes her feel like the best version of herself. When mahjong came into my life, turning our third floor into a glamorously curated parlor felt completely inevitable. Same community. Same love of beautiful things. Just a very good new reason to gather every single week.
Here's what I want for you. I want you to learn this game and actually feel confident at the table. I want you to show up to game night in an outfit your friends will ask about. I want your tablescape to be so good someone takes a photo before the first tile is drawn. And I want you to find your people — the women you'll text at 11pm about a hand you cannot believe you called.
Because that's what this is really about. The game is the excuse. The women are the point.
Come find me at the table. 🀄️
Julia
Your chic mahjong best friend, teacher, and personal stylist
CONNECTION
CONFIDENCE
COMMUNITY
THE PARLOR
A 52-seat mahjong destination in Sparta, Tennessee, built for gathering, learning, and play.
OUR HOME FOR MAHJONG
Welcome to the Parlor
Nestled on the third floor of Jongee's in Sparta, Tennessee, The Parlor is a 52-seat mahjong destination designed for gathering, learning, and play. From first lessons to leagues, private events to tournaments, we've created a beautiful space where confidence grows, friendships flourish, and there's always a seat at the table.
18 E Bockman Wy, Sparta, TN 38583
VISIT THE PARLOR
