Ty Reichel and Ziggy Poplin
Creating Connections with Mahjong South
story by JEANNE REYNOLDS photos by SHAWN HILL
If it feels like you hear the word “mahjong” everywhere lately, you’re not wrong. This centuries-old game first scattered its beautiful, artistic tiles across America’s dining rooms and card tables in the 1920s, but it’s been making a huge surge in recent years. And no one knows that better than Ty Reichel and Ziggy Poplin, founders of Mahjong South, a new mahjong-based events company that focuses on helping women make connections rather than competition.
“Mahjong is about inviting people to your table, making them feel welcome, enjoying laughter and friendship,” Ziggy says. “We offer curated events based on mahjong and Southern hospitality. It’s about inviting people to your table and making them feel welcome.”
Neither Ziggy nor Ty ever imagined they’d become entrepreneurs tiling the path for the growing wave of mahjong enthusiasts in Beaufort and beyond. In fact, both are relative newbies to the game themselves. Ty learned to play with some friends a year and a half ago and Ziggy picked up the game just last January. Not long after, they started playing together, renewing a close friendship born 30 years before, when Ty was teaching pre-kindergarten at Beaufort Academy and Ziggy was working in real estate. Ziggy later moved back to her hometown of Aiken to raise her family, but returned to Beaufort last year. By then, both were empty nesters and ready for a new challenge.
Mahjong South has been an instant — and to its creators, unexpected — success. Their first event was held this May at Old Bay Marketplace, with a table-decorating theme that encouraged attendees to use their creativity with tablescapes and attire. Ty and Ziggy say they expected about 20 people to sign up. They knew they had a hit when the final headcount was more than six times that many at 125.
It’s not hard to understand the attraction. Industry analysts say mahjong is filling a craving for in-person, screen-free connections — something Ty says they observed themselves at that first event. “No one had a phone in hand. Women were laughing, bonding, tossing the tiles, and most importantly, connecting,” she says.
The business has taken off rapidly from there, with one or two events every month in locations ranging from historic inns and former plantation homes to local businesses. Mahjong South provides or partners with the venues to provide the entire experience, including the tables, tile sets, food, beverages, flowers and the perfect playlist. Events range from a single morning, afternoon or evening to multiple days, and can include instruction, play, guest speakers, vendors and door prizes. The company also creates small private events for other organizations and businesses.
The partners say events can range in size, and they love a small, intimate gathering just as much as one with more than 100 guests. They put the same amount of energy into any event they take on. Mahjong South has quickly evolved from a fun idea to a full-time job for the duo.
“We’re figuring it out and having a great time,” Ziggy says. “We love to bounce ideas off each other, and we have the same work ethic: If you’re not working, you’re being lazy.”
“I’m having the time of my life building Mahjong South with my dear friend and business partner,” Ty adds. “We have similar styles, but we’re different enough to balance it well. We have the same business goals to create joyful experiences that bring women together through mahjong, travel, friendship and plenty of Southern hospitality.”
And while both women appreciate the appeal of the game itself — Ziggy describes the tiles as miniature pieces of art, while Ty admits she was a bit overwhelmed at first, but now finds it more entertaining than intimidating — the social connections and encouraging women to make time for themselves are the key attractions.
“Women are craving the bonding and socialization, and we create a vibe that is inviting and so fun,” Ty says. “It fills a void, and that really fills my heart. It’s very much a social thing for us. People might come for the tiles, but they leave with new friends.”
HOW TO CONNECT WITH MAHJONG SOUTH
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events, then visit https://www.instagram.com/mahjongsouth/ for details and to sign up.
• Willcox Mahjong Getaway — Sept. 20–22 in Aiken
An elevated three-day getaway at the iconic Willcox Inn, where sophisticated yet relaxed glamour meets gracious Southern hospitality with delicious bites, festive beverages, boutique shopping and plenty of mahjong.
• Fall Fete at Orange Grove — Oct. 25–26 on St. Helena Island
Celebrate the art of Southern living with inspiring guest speakers, spirited conversation, a beautiful al fresco brunch and an afternoon of mahjong along the river.
• Cuthbert House Inn — Nov. 16–18 in Beaufort
Come for the day — or play and stay — at this beautifully renovated 18th century waterfront inn, where more than 200 years of Southern hospitality meet gracious charm with festive cocktails, delicious bites and hours of mahjong in a setting as warm as the company.
• Merry Mahjong — Dec. 4 in Beaufort
Celebrate the season with Christmas coffee, festive libations, tasty nibbles and holiday merriment, and plenty of mahjong.
Ty Reichel
Hometown: Beaufort
Family: Husband, 4 children
College: College of Charleston and University of South Carolina
First job: Teaching pre-K at Beaufort Academy
Favorite eats: House special pizza from Upper Crust, or cottage cheese with ground beef, butternut squash and blueberries — it’s all about balance!
Guilty pleasure: Reading by the pool or a day of shopping with my mama
Hobbies (besides Mahjong, of course): Working out, dancing, traveling, entertaining, spending time with my people
What you’ll catch me wearing at home: Workout clothes
High heels or flip-flops? Flip-flops
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Where I take visitors: Down Bay Street to pop into our wonderful local shops
Dream vacation: Somewhere warm and active, with a little adventure off the beaten path
What I’m reading now: “Dolly All the Time,” by Annabel Monaghan
Current or fave streams: “Suits” and “Bridgerton”
Wish I had more time for: Dancing — I absolutely love to shag!
Favorite music genre: Motown and pop
Catchphrase: “Toughen up, buttercup!” closely followed by, “Your mama is your number-one fan — don’t ever forget it!”
Something I wish I’d known 20 years ago: Being present is more important than being perfect
Best advice I ever got: Stay home with your children if you have the opportunity
Ziggy Poplin
Hometown: Aiken
Family: 3 children, 3 dogs
College: College of Charleston
First job: Travel coordinator for a textile company
Favorite eats: Pasta, Caesar salad and truffle fries
Guilty pleasure: Watching “Keeping Up With Kardashians”
Hobbies (besides Mahjong, of course): Gardening, needlepoint, walking my dogs, travel with my children
What you’ll catch me wearing at home: A cute set
High heels or flip-flops? Wedges
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Where I take visitors: Downtown restaurants and shopping and a stroll through the Old Point neighborhood
Dream vacation: Nantucket and anywhere with my family
What I’m reading now: “The Calamity Club,” by Kathryn Stockett
Current or fave streams: “Landman”
Wish I had more time for: Travel
Favorite music genre: Everything (but not a lot of jazz) — I love going to concerts, especially with my family!
Catchphrase: “Figure it out.”
Something I wish I’d known 20 years ago: Invest in Amazon
Best advice I ever got: Always have good manners and write thank-you notes
