About Us

A Bit About Us Both

We’re two moms with full-time jobs who played mahjong once…and were instantly hooked. Within weeks, we were buying tiles and mats, practicing the Charleston, and earning our certifications to teach others. What started as colleagues who bonded over books at book club, soon grew into a friendship rooted in laughter, nightly strategy messages, and a shared love for this timeless game.

Our vision is simple: to bring the joy of mahjong to everyone. Whether through beginner lessons, private events, or casual open play, we believe mahjong should feel welcoming, social, and just a little bit magical.

Where the Name Comes From

The name Mockingbird & Magnolia has its own winding path. At first, we joked about calling ourselves “NWA Mahjong Mamas,” but that felt too limiting. We wanted something that could grow with us—beyond just lessons—into events, rentals, and community gatherings.

So, we did what anyone would do: we asked ChatGPT for ideas. Southern-inspired names came up, and “Magnolia” struck a chord—Sydney’s favorite flower, the state flower of Louisiana where Brooke was born, and a symbol of the South. But “Magnolia Mahjong” already existed. Then came the spark: pair Magnolia with Arkansas’ state bird, the Mockingbird. Suddenly, it all clicked. Birds and flowers are iconic in mahjong, the name sounded lyrical, and—most importantly—the domain was available.

Meet the Co-Founders

Portrait of a woman with shoulder-length reddish-brown hair, wearing a teal blazer and white blouse, standing outside near a building with a column.
A smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a blue blazer, colorful patterned top, and black earrings, posing against a light blue background.

Brooke Benoit
Co-Founder

Sydney Tucker
Co-Founder

  • Born in Louisiana and now rooted in Northwest Arkansas, Brooke brings a blend of Southern charm and strategic know-how to Mockingbird & Magnolia. She began her career at Walmart and has carried her love of communications, marketing, and strategy across many corners of the company. These days, she balances corporate life with shuffling tiles, building hands, and sharing her love of mahjong with anyone who’ll sit at the table.

    Brooke played her very first game of mahjong and was instantly hooked. The mix of strategy, tradition, and community lit a spark that quickly grew into a passion for teaching others. When she’s not at the mahjong table, she’s a wife, mom, and dog-lover, often found with a book in hand, a glass of wine nearby, planning the next family adventure, or cheering on her favorite team.

    Her vision for Mockingbird & Magnolia is simple: to create a space where learning feels welcoming, games feel like gatherings, and everyone leaves the table with a smile.

  • An Arkansas native through and through, Sydney built her career as a Merchant at Sam’s Club, where her sharp eye for detail and knack for strategy have always set her apart. At home, she juggles life as a coach’s wife and mom to three, but she always carves out time for her beloved “grandma hobbies” that bring balance to her busy days. Whether it’s a cozy night of crochet and a glass of wine or laughter-filled evenings with girlfriends, Sydney embraces life’s little joys—especially when there’s a mahjong table involved.

    Her introduction to mahjong was love at first shuffle. What began as a single game quickly turned into a full-on obsession. For Sydney, mahjong is more than just a pastime—it’s a way to connect, laugh, and bring people together.

    Through Mockingbird & Magnolia, her hope is to make mahjong approachable, fun, and maybe just a little addictive (in the best way) for anyone who pulls up a chair at the table.