Meet Jennifer
Meet Jennifer Engel
Instructor and Guest Experience Lead
Jenn brings a love of mahjong, a mastery of the rules, creativity, and Southern hospitality to the table. With a quick wit and a knack for connecting with people, she delights in teaching and cheering on beginner wins like they were her own. Being a part of Heron House leadership is a dream come true - immediately after learning how to play in 2022, she asked her instructor if she'd ever thought about opening a mahjong studio.
- Family members and/or pets: Husband Patrick, sons Connor and Graham, and world's cutest "bunny dog"
- Education & professional background: Proud Tar Heel with a journalism degree and a career in advertising/marketing
- Favorite thing about mahjong: While I love the brain challenge, it's always about finding connection with others for me.
- Favorite line: Will forever miss 2024's bananas hand - 11111 NNNN 88888
- Game style: Defensive. If I can't win, I don't want you to win either. (Said with love.)
- Charleston strategy in one sentence: Never get into the weeds - memorize sections and collect based on your position of strength.
- Music or silence while playing: With apologies, I love to sing (poorly but quietly) and groove along in my chair!
- Rate your competitiveness (1–10): A cheerful 9.6
- Pro or anti trinkets and blanks: Adore trinkets, and I'm a purist - no blanks at my table, please.
- Favorite mahjong lesson that is actually a life lesson: Navigating mahjong and life takes skill, a little bit of luck, a lot of patience, a smattering of creativity, a positive attitude, and the courage to pivot when the unplanned happens.
- My favorite quote: For the mahjong community, I always say that a rising tide lifts all ships. Friendly competition at the table, but always collaboration among small businesses and instructors.