Meet Lori Spielman, the creative force behind Mahj by Lori.
Founded in 2026.
I’m Lori, the artist and founder of Mahj by Lori. Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mom is an artist, and she nurtured my creativity from a very young age. One of my paintings was even featured at the Buffalo Children’s Museum when I was three years old—and I still have it today. Life eventually took me down a very different path, and I spent my career as a firefighter. Today, I’ve come full circle, combining my love of painting with my passion for mahjong. Every Mahj by Lori design begins as one of my original paintings before becoming a mat or tile set. It’s my way of bringing a little more beauty, joy, and conversation to the table. Now that I think about it maybe I should make my first museum piece into a mat! My wheels are always turning.
“I don’t create art to fit a product. I create art first, then decide if it deserves to become a product.”
The story behind Mahj by Lori
Before the business
Before starting Mahj by Lori, I spent my career as a firefighter. After developing a life-threatening latex allergy, I was forced to retire earlier than I expected. While it was a difficult transition, it also gave me the opportunity to return to something I’d loved since childhood—painting. As mahjong became part of my life, I realized there was an opportunity to combine my artwork with the game. What started as one painted design has grown into a collection of luxury mats and tile sets inspired by my original art.
The idea that started it
I wanted my mahjong table to feel as special as the time spent around it. I looked for a mat that reflected my style as an artist which is very colorful and whimsical but couldn’t find one that truly spoke to me. Then it hit me—why not play on my own artwork? After a lot of trial and error with different manufacturers I transformed one of my original paintings into a mahjong mat, and it changed everything. Seeing people gather around something I’d painted was incredibly rewarding. That idea has become the heart of my business: creating functional art that brings people together.
Behind the name
I am a Reiki Master and my Reiki business is called Reiki by Lori so figured why not Mahj by Lori.
The first launch
My very first product I launched was my Dragonfly mat. The story behind transformation and trying to find myself after the unexpected end of my Firefighter career is poured into that piece. There are hidden symbols and meanings in all of my work and the palette and dragonfly can be found in my Artist Tile collection that should arrive late summer 2026.
Inside Mahj by Lori
A closer look at the art, personality, and playfulness behind the brand.
From idea to the table
The biggest challenge
The biggest challenge was finding the right Manufacturer and practicing patience. This business is tough. I am just me myself and I and have had to learn social media and business and all of it. The design part is easy for me it is everything else and the fear that someone will steal your original artwork.
What kept the vision moving
The PEOPLE. Mahjong has one of the most welcoming communities I’ve ever experienced. Seeing customers share photos of friends gathered around my artwork or hearing that one of my designs made someone smile keeps me inspired. I have received so many emails and messages from others who have shared their personal stories with me and have been touched or moved by my artwork. Being seen and appreciated as an artist makes the uncertainties worth it! I’m also driven by the creative process. I always have another painting in my head, another story I want to tell through color and design.
Where inspiration begins
Inspiration is everywhere. Sometimes it’s a place I’ve visited, like Sedona. Other times it’s a feeling I want to capture, like love, joy, or peace. Nature is a constant source of inspiration—cute animals, feelings, messages, really everywhere! I rary sit down thinking, “I’m going to design a mahjong mat.” I paint what inspires me first. If a painting feels like it belongs on a table where friends gather, then it becomes a mat or tile set.
The design process
Every design begins as an original acrylic painting on canvas. I paint intuitively, often inspired by nature, color, or an emotion I want to express. Once a painting is complete, I decide on border coloring and work with my manufacturer to reproduce every detail and get a sample to make sure it looks and feels true to the original. Often times I love my artwork but it doesn’t quite translate to the mat so I have to tweak it or decide not to produce it. It’s a long process, but preserving the integrity of the original artwork is always my highest priority.
How long it takes
From the first brushstroke to a customer receiving the finished product can easily take a few months or more. The painting itself may only take days or weeks, but sampling, color matching, manufacturing, ocean freight, quality control, packaging, and photography all take time. I believe beautiful products are worth waiting for, and I never rush a design just to release something new.
A detail worth noticing
I don’t create art to fit a product. I create art first, then decide if it deserves to become a product. One detail I am especially proud of and many may not know is that all of my original artwork is Reiki infused with energy. The Reiki master symbol is hidden in all of my work. These mats and tiles are so much more than just a painting. I pour my love and light and soul into every piece.
What matters most
The most meaningful product
It’s hard to choose just one because they each tell a personal part of my story. Dragonfly was my very first collection, and it showed me there was truly a place for original artwork in the mahjong world. It sold out quickly and the response was overwhelming. It gave me the confidence to believe this dream could become a business. I still can’t believe it! Pinch me! LOVE is the most personal. It was inspired by my original painting Love Infiniti and represents unconditional love, kindness, and connection. To me, that’s what mahjong is really about—friends and family gathering around a table, sharing laughter, stories, and creating memories. Dragonfly gave me confidence. LOVE reminds me why I create.
A proud moment
CONNECTION! Without question, seeing complete strangers choose something I created. When someone spends their hard-earned money on one of my designs, it’s incredibly humbling. Watching collections sell out and become part of homes across the country has been exciting, but the real reward is seeing photos of friends gathered around my artwork. That’s when I realize it isn’t just a product anymore—it’s become part of someone’s tradition. I feel like we are all connected by the tiles! Everyone is welcome at my table!
A compliment that stayed
I have received many many beautiful stories of how my artwork has touched many of you. However, I received one of the most beautiful emails I ever have read in my life during this journey. This lovely woman saw me truly saw me and was touched by the artwork and the meaning behind it. Here is a snippet of that email. I am beyond humbled. “the dragonfly… that one transfixed me. Something about it pulled on my emotional threads in a way I certainly didn’t expect — especially not from a post about MahJong mats. The more I looked, the more visually complex it became. Every bit of color, every brushstroke, every image — even the empty spaces — woven together in harmony. There is joy woven with sadness, stillness wrapped in movement. I could honestly go on and on.”
The biggest business lesson
I can do it! It is hard work but I can do it!
One thing every customer should know
I am truly grateful for every mat and tile purchase. It means the world to me. I am humbled to be a part of your Mahjong tables!
Quick tiles
What’s next
Next for the company
More Mahjong mat designs these are all small releases and when they sell out they enter the Collectors Archive. I only make a small amount of each mat and when they’re gone they’re gone in that colorway.
A glimpse ahead
YES! This new drop is out but the next two drops are coming. So much more to see and share.
The dream project
My wheels are always turning and everyday I am dreaming new sets into life. I am always open to peoples suggestions too to see if they inspire me.
Five years from now
Still on people tables bringing community together and the honor of being able to paint and create more!
A lesson to carry forward
Be your true authentic unapologetic self