Michelle Kushner and her mother, Ellen Zwalsky, have turned their shared love of games into a new business designed to bring people together, one tile at a time.
The mother-daughter duo recently opened MJ Social, a social club located at 203 Long Beach Road in Island Park where Mah Jongg and card games offer residents a place to learn new skills, meet people and connect away from their screens.
The idea grew from Zwalsky’s more than 30 years of playing Mah Jongg. After witnessing the friendships and joy the game brought into her mother’s life, Kushner recognized an opportunity to create a dedicated space for experienced players and beginners alike.
“This past spring, we decided to create the kind of place we felt was missing: a welcoming, thoughtfully designed space where people of all ages and experience levels could come together, put down their phones, learn something new, and connect over games,” Kushner said.
MJ Social celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 18, bringing the pair’s vision for a community-centered gathering place to life.
The business is not their first venture together. Years ago, Kushner and Zwalsky operated an appointment-only boutique specializing in high-end, plus-size special occasion dresses.
Kushner, 43, has a background in fine arts and fashion design and works as a creative director, bringing experience in branding, marketing and design. Zwalsky, 75, holds a master’s degree in recreation therapy, has taught at the collegiate level, is a licensed real estate broker and previously owned a boutique.
At MJ Social, Zwalsky leads the teaching and gaming activities, while Kushner handles branding, marketing, social media and creative direction.
“One of the nicest surprises has been watching her rediscover just how much she loves teaching,” Kushner said. “She’s having so much fun meeting people, introducing them to the game, and helping them build their confidence.”
Designed to feel more like a social club than a traditional game room, MJ Social features a retail area and three additional rooms for lessons and games. Visitors can shop for Mah Jongg accessories, take beginner lessons in Mah Jongg and Canasta, participate in guided or open play, and book private events. One room also features an automatic Mah Jongg table that shuffles and arranges the tiles.
The club welcomes people interested in hosting birthdays, fundraisers and community gatherings. Snacks are available, and guests can bring their own beverages.
Kushner said the goal is to make the experience accessible, even for those who do not know how to play or already have a group.
“You can come on your own, meet new people, learn something new, and become part of a community,” she said.
The business also carries on a family tradition. Kushner said her great-grandmother hosted card games in her Brooklyn apartment during the 1920s and ’30s.
For Kushner, one of the most rewarding parts of opening MJ Social has been watching her mother embrace a new chapter at 75.
“It’s such a great reminder that there’s no age limit on trying something new, following an idea, or reinventing yourself,” she said.
Ultimately, the pair hopes visitors leave with new skills and friendships.
“Hopefully a few new skills, a few new friends, and a reason to come back,” Kushner said. “Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.”
