Arabella Hibbert
Arabella is a native Houstonian, mom of two boys, and the founder of Marchesa Mahjong. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and event planning, she’s always had a passion for connecting people and creating memorable experiences.
After stepping away from the workforce to focus on raising her children, Arabella began searching for something that would challenge her mind and bring back a sense of community. That’s when friends introduced her to the magical world of Mahjong. What started as a casual lesson quickly turned into a full-blown passion—one that engaged her intellect, nurtured friendships, and most importantly, was incredibly fun.
Her journey began with one game, then another, and soon she was playing five to six times a week. As her knowledge and love for the game deepened, Arabella realized Mahjong had become more than a hobby—it was something she felt called to share. Drawing on her professional background and people skills, she launched Marchesa Mahjong to teach others and bring the joy of the game to new audiences.
Her approach is warm, relaxed, and welcoming. From the moment a student walks in the door, Arabella treats them like an old friend. She makes lessons fun and approachable from the start, creating a space where camaraderie thrives.
Her greatest joy? Watching others discover the laughter, connection, and magic that Mahjong brings.
When she’s not teaching, Arabella’s likely cheering from the sidelines at her boys’ baseball games, rallying on the tennis court with friends, or indulging in a foodie adventure with her husband—always on the hunt for the next great bite.
Ashly braunig
With over a decade of experience in the classroom—including many years as a preschool teacher—Ashly has always been passionate about education and building meaningful connections. Known for her incredible patience, gentle mannerisms, and kindhearted nature, she has a natural ability to make others feel at ease and supported in any learning environment.
After welcoming her second child, Ashly found herself craving something that offered both social connection and mental stimulation. One Mahjong lesson later, she was hooked.
What began as a weekly game night with friends—including Arabella!—quickly turned into something more. Mahjong became her favorite way to recharge, challenge her mind, and have fun. So when Arabella invited her to be a part of Marchesa Mahjong, it felt like the perfect fit—a blend of her love for teaching and her growing passion for the game.
Today, Ashly brings her warmth, calm presence, and approachable teaching style to every lesson, helping others experience the joy, challenge, and camaraderie of Mahjong.
Outside of teaching, Ashly is a proud mom of two boys and wife to a fellow Mahjong enthusiast. When she’s not surrounded by toy trucks or dinosaurs, she’s exploring parks, enjoying Houston’s incredible food scene, or playing a cozy game of Siamese Mahjong with her husband after bedtime.
She can’t wait to help you fall in love with the game too!
TESTIMONIALS
“I took 101 & 102 and can’t recommend enough. Lessons were thoughtfully structured, informative, and of course fun! Arabella’s enthusiasm for the game is contagious -such a wonderful introduction!”
— Meredith Culp
“Arabella, you are the most amazing teacher!!! I have had so much fun at your events!!! I can’t wait to attend more and using what I’ve learned from you for more game play. I love it! And thank you for bringing the wonderful world of Mahjong to so many of us!”
— Cathy Smith
“You are so good at what you do! The best teacher around!! Thank you for getting me hooked and teaching me the ways!”
— Noopur Shah
“Arabella is the best teacher around. She’s super knowledgeable, infectiously energetic and creates such a fun environment for Mahjong play for new beginners to experts! Highly recommend her!!”
— Victoria Greendyke
“The best teacher! I took 101 and 102 with my good friend from college and we both are more confident and playing out in the “wild”! I can’t wait for your other classes to play more!”
— Alexis Valentine
“BEST teacher ever!! Seriously, such a natural at teaching how to play and answering all the questions… and keeping it fun but also focused!!”
— Lauren Tschoepe
“Loved my lessons with Arabella! She offers a 101 lesson for beginners to learn the game & 102 for skill improvement and guided play. I took both to jump into the world of Mahjong and would 10/10 recommend her to anyone looking to do the same!”
— Katy Starr
“As a former 101 and 102 student, I feel so confident playing mahj now! Arabella’s teaching method was so helpful and informative. I knew nothing about mahj before my first lesson so she had her work cut out for her and she succeeded without breaking a sweat!”
— Annie Briggs
“Arabella is a great teacher! She broke down the many complicated rules of Mahjong into simple steps that were easy to remember! Loved both her classes. Thank you!”
— Neha Goyal
“Best teacher ever! She is AMAZINGLY organized and brought visuals that made us understand the game so quickly. Do not hesitate to book her for your next lesson. No regrets at ALL!”
— Yvonne Tortoriello
“Arabella is the best! I was a little intimidated by the game, but she made learning so easy. I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and went to her lessons, now I play confidently and have so much fun! Take the lessons, you won’t regret it!”
— Michelle Rainwater
“Arabella’s passion for the game is infectious, and her teaching style is both fun and informative. Thanks to Arabella, I not only understand the complexities of mahjong but have also found a new hobby that I thoroughly enjoy. Highly recommend her classes to anyone looking to dive into the world of mahjong!”
— Lanie Thompson
“You’re the best! You made it so easy to learn and gave such great tips that I’ll never forget (hello, Jokers love a party) it’s always such a treat to learn from you and grow in my game.”
— Natalie Magill Gonzalez
“My love for mahjong is because of you! You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you for showing me this amazing game!”
— Elyse Kearns
“You have me hooked! I now look at license plates as possible mahjong hands! You are a great teacher.”
— Dianne Otto
“10/10…if you need a teacher that keeps things fun but can keep you focused…she is your lady!! Thanks for a great introduction to this awesome game!”
— Jessica King Price
“No question that you are the best teacher! Now I’m addicted as well, and loving every minute. Thanks for generously sharing your insight and knack of the game.”
— Jessica Trammell
“The best teacher! I’m so grateful to learn from you.”
— Laura Lanigan
“Learned so much from you, Arabella! Highly recommend!!”
— Ryan Jarrard
“What a great way to learn!!! Loved 101 and 102.”
— Julia TenHoeve
“Arabella travelled to Louisville and taught 20 girls who had never played. She did an excellent job and everyone loved having her! Highly recommend her to anyone who wants to learn!”
— Mary Helen Katz
“Thanks for being so patient and taking the time to teach us older (and slower!) learners! You are a great teacher and I’ve had such a fun time learning this game!”
— Nell Clingman
“Love your classes!”
— Anna Rincon