Meet Luci Holbert of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luci Holbert.

Hi luci, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Buckhead Mahjong Club in 2023 with a friend, although my connection to the game goes back nearly 30 years. I’m a lawyer by profession, and after COVID and the birth of my baby, I found myself with a little more time and a lot of curiosity about where mahjong might fit into a changing social landscape.

At the time, there was a renewed interest in mahjong across the South, but very few people actually knew how to play. We decided to host mahjong lessons over brunch at a local country club, thinking it would be a fun way to introduce people to the game. To our surprise, every class sold out, and before long we were receiving requests for private lessons.

From there, the business grew naturally. We expanded into in-home lessons and began hosting events at art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and private clubs. As mahjong experienced a nationwide resurgence, we added retreats, tournaments, and large-scale events to our offerings.

Last year, I made a strategic shift to focus almost exclusively on the corporate event space. Today, Buckhead Mahjong partners with companies to create memorable experiences for everything frrom team-building and client appreciation events to conferences and executive retreats.

Mahjong has proven to be so much more than a game. It creates connection, sparks conversation, and brings people together in a way that’s both engaging and refreshingly inclusive. I like to say that corporate mahjong events are the new golf tournament—with a little more laughter and a lot more people able to join in.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, our biggest challenge was finding businesses willing to partner with us. There was plenty of interest from people who wanted to learn, but many venue owners had never even heard of mahjong and were understandably hesitant to dedicate space to it.

As the game’s popularity grew and clubs began popping up everywhere, our challenge shifted from introducing mahjong to differentiating ourselves. That’s what inspired us to expand into retreats, tournaments, and eventually corporate events, creating experiences that went beyond a traditional lesson or open play.

Today, our focus is staying ahead of the curve. Mahjong is evolving quickly, and we’re always thinking about what players—and our corporate clients—are looking for next. Whether it’s creating unique event formats, balancing social play with competitive tournaments, or finding new ways to bring people together, we’re constantly adapting alongside the game.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Today, we specialize in creating custom mahjong experiences for the corporate world. What started as lessons over brunch has evolved into a business focused on helping companies bring people together in a way that’s interactive, memorable, and genuinely fun.

Our events range from client appreciation gatherings for law firms, real estate teams, financial advisors, and med spas to team-building events for companies of all sizes and activations at national conferences across the country. Whether guests have never touched a mahjong tile or have been playing for years, we design each event so everyone feels welcome and engaged.

I think what sets us apart is that we don’t just teach people how to play—we create experiences. We combine thoughtful event planning with high-quality instruction, beautiful tablescapes, and a warm, approachable style that makes people feel comfortable from the moment they sit down. We also understand that every event has a different goal, whether it’s strengthening a team, thanking valued clients, or creating meaningful connections at a conference.

What I’m most proud of is that we’ve helped redefine what a corporate event can look like. Mahjong has become an unexpected way to spark conversation, build relationships, and create lasting memories. Watching people who arrived as strangers leave laughing, exchanging phone numbers, and planning their next game together never gets old.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Between running a busy DUI criminal defense practice and an even busier mahjong business, I try to spend as much of my free time as possible with my family and friends. I don’t have a long list of business podcasts or productivity apps—I find that stepping away from work is what helps me do my best when I’m back at it.

That said, I’ve recently started working my way back through Agatha Christie’s complete collection. I first read many of them years ago, and it’s been so much fun revisiting them. There’s something timeless about a good mystery, and it’s the perfect way for me to unwind after a busy day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @buckheadmahjong
• Other: buckheadmahjong@gmail.com