Shuffle Up and Slay: Building a Mahjong Movement with Sara Sloman

In this episode of Fanatical DreamHer, April sits down with Sara Sloman, the dynamic founder of RichMahj, a growing business teaching people how to play mahjong—yes, the game that's quietly taking over social circles, coffee tables, and corporate team-building sessions alike. What began as a hobby turned into a movement, with over 1,700 beginners trained since early 2024. Sara opens up about launching her passion project with intention, building a team of instructors across multiple states, and using the game to foster community, friendship, and even philanthropy. Whether you're a business dreamer or just love a good comeback story, Sara's episode is full of inspiration, strategy, and joy. Key Discussion Points: Sara's roots and confidence-building college years (01:30) Discovering mahjong and turning curiosity into a business (02:30) Building RichMahj from website to multi-state expansion (03:40) Teaching 1,700+ students and the power of beginner energy (04:10) Personal growth, patience, and the joy of creating friendships (04:45) A milestone moment: Mahjong for Memories Tournament for Alzheimer's Association (09:00) Facing obstacles: asking for help and imposter syndrome (10:30) Self-talk, setting boundaries, and turning doubt into fuel (11:30) Advice to other women: prepare well, but don't wait too long (16:13) Out-of-the-box thinking and mahjong's universal appeal (17:00) The cutest swag: napkins, cups, banners—and a custom mahjong table (19:45) Notable Quotes: "I always tell myself it's going to be okay. And usually, it is." – Sara Sloman "You don't have to wait. Someone else might come up with your idea." – Sara Sloman "Mahjong is the new pickleball. There's napkins. There's swag. It's community-building magic." – April Kemp Takeaways: Start slow, plan well—but don't wait forever to launch your dream. Building something joyful can have real community impact. Women thrive when they use their voices and ask for help. Games like mahjong aren't just play—they're powerful connection tools. Surrounding yourself with like-minded women leads to unexpected opportunity and growth. Connect with Guest: Website: https://www.richmahj.com/ Instagram: @richmahj Email: [email protected] Connect with Us: Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher Stay updated on new episodes: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ Email: [email protected] Join the DreamHer Community: Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us with your favorite takeaways using #FanaticalDreamHer on social media!