A crowded studio, a “cap it at 40” plan that turns into 50-plus guests, and a spring season that suddenly feels like it’s accelerating. I’m checking in from Brewtifully with a real-time look at what it takes to grow a creative studio around mahjong, art, and community and what happens when you let people in, even when the day doesn’t go exactly as planned. National Mahjong Day brought tables full of laughter, unexpected visitors, and the kind of feedback that makes me want to schedule more events immediately.
Next up, I’m leaning into collaborations that connect new audiences: a June pickleball mahjong event at a new spot called Hotshots, plus another gathering tied to the Ohio State University Alumni Association. I also share an invitation to Art in the Park in Hartville, where I’ll be setting up tables and teaching the art of mahjong to anyone curious. If you’re building a small business, planning community events, or trying to grow a creative brand, these partnerships are a practical reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.
On the making side, I talk through how I’m creating my own mahjong tiles from blank tiles to drawing, laser engraving, and hand painting, plus how manufacturing and licensing help turn artwork into products people can actually buy. The biggest takeaway is simple and hard-earned: leave room in your plans for the unplanned, share the littlest thing, and let it grow into something bigger than you could have mapped out. If you like this kind of creative business update, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a quick review so more makers and mahjong lovers can find us.
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