OUR STORY

We're Catherine and Ellie, a mother-and-daughter team from La Jolla, California.

When we searched for an American mahjong tile set to own, we hoped to find something that reflected the beauty and spirit of the Southern California coast where we live. When we didn't find one, we decided to make it ourselves.

WHO WE ARE

Ivey Lee Mahjong is a combination of both of our last names.

Ellie (daughter + designer) is an artist and graphic designer who grew up at the beach in La Jolla. As a young girl, she took art classes at The Children's School, then Art Scol, also in La Jolla, before graduating from La Jolla High School and heading to the University of Michigan's Stamps School of Art & Design. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and several distinctions and awards; she currently works for a design agency in New York City. 

Catherine (mom + logistics) is a former journalist and a professional writer and editor with more than 25 years' experience. She loves many creative outlets including gardening and enjoys volunteering throughout San Diego as a UC Master Gardener. She is especially proud of the eight California native flowers featured in The La Jolla Tiles. Starting Ivey Lee Mahjong represents a major career pivot for Catherine and after a year of mahjong madness, she can now highly recommend switching up your life in your mid-50s to anyone considering it!  

OUR PROCESS 

While home from college doing a summer internship, Ellie sketched surfboards and seagulls, sea kelp and sea lions to bring The La Jolla Tiles to life. Her images are vibrant, joyful, and summon a carefree feeling of being on the coast. When Ellie finalized the Windansea surf shack for our soap tile and the Torrey Pines gliders as our winds, we decided to make this set available to others.

OUR COMMITMENT 
We put our names on this brand because we stand behind what we've made. Over the past year, we tested our tiles for playability with a small focus group of friends; we made many revisions. We received many samples from several manufacturers in China (the birthplace of mahjong!) and honed in on one and kept revising designs and tiles until we were satisfied we had a high quality premium set that we were proud to have carry our name. If you experience an issue with any of our products, we promise to make it right for you. Please contact us immediately contact@iveyleemahjong.com

OUR MISSION
Ivey Lee Mahjong is committed to bringing a sense of meaning to the mahjong table through premium products that promote a connection to the California coast.  Our first product, The La Jolla Tiles, is a not only a tribute to La Jolla but also to the entire West Coast way of life. Our tiles reflect the relaxed, vibrant spirit of living by the beautiful, ever-changing Pacific and a deep appreciation for a balanced, nature-filled life.

We hope these tiles bring as much joy to your table as making them together has brought to ours. 

— Catherine & Ellie