Meet Your Mahjers

At The Mahj Co., we’re here to guide you on your journey into the delightful world of American Mahjong! Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced player looking for fun and social opportunities, we’re dedicated to making your Mahj experience enjoyable, welcoming, and fabulous. We fell in love with the game and wanted to embed it into our wonderful New Canaan community — creating opportunities for anyone interested to join local games, meet new people, and support nearby businesses along the way. 

As certified Oh My Mahjong instructors, we focus on approachable, confidence-building lessons and fun, social Mahj experiences. 

  • Smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a teal dress with white floral patterns, standing indoors with beige curtains and a framed picture in the background.

    Caroline Buch

    CO-FOUNDER

    Caroline grew up in New Canaan and, after living in New York City and Chicago working in advertising and operations, she eventually returned to her hometown where she now lives with her husband and two daughters. When she first started hearing all the buzz about Mahjong, she was eager to give it a try—though she had plenty of questions (Is it too complicated? Who will play it with me? The winning hands change every year?). One lesson was all it took. It was a match made in game heaven, and Mahjong quickly became her favorite topic of conversation. Now, through The Mahj Co., she’s excited to share the thrill of “calling for Mahjong” with everyone!

    MAHJ FAVORITES:
    Section to Play: Consecutive Run
    Tile: Flower
    Can often be heard saying: “So… one more game?”

  • A smiling woman with long dark hair being hugged by a person wearing a dark jacket with a Canada Goose logo, outdoors near water.

    Nicole DiBiasi

    CO-FOUNDER

    Nicole grew up in West Hartford and, after many years in CT and a quick stint in New York, Nicole, her husband, and their two daughters (aka designated tile shufflers!) settled down in New Canaan.  Nicole loves everything about Mahjong, from the strategy, the friendly and yet competitive spirit of the game, and the camaraderie that mahjong fosters.  By day, Nicole is a lawyer, and when she isn't spending her free time with her family or playing Mahjong, Nicole can be found shopping for more Mahjong gear that she definitely does not need, and calling upon Caroline and Erika to talk her out of a purchase (this never happens-who doesn't want more mahjong tiles?!).

    MAHJ FAVORITES:
    Section to Play: 13579
    Tile:  Bird Bam (cheers!)
    Can often be heard saying:  "Want to see my new tiles?!"

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing drop earrings, a necklace, and a pink dress with spaghetti straps, standing outdoors with a blurred green landscape in the background.

    Erika Sharp

    CO-FOUNDER

    Erika grew up in Massachusetts, lived in NYC for many years, and has called New Canaan home since 2020. She was hooked on Mahjong from her first game, drawn to the numbers, patterns, and instant connection. She’s excited to create more opportunities for people to connect, unwind, and feel part of the community through the game. Erika works in Finance and enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young children.

    MAHJ FAVORITES:
    Section to Play: Winds - Dragons
    Tile: Soap
    Can often be heard saying: “Who has all the jokers?”