Deacon Spotlight: Molly Small Hardy

Molly Small Hardy (’07, BA Education)

Mahjong Instructor in Dallas, TX

Tell us about your job. What are you currently working on?

For the past four years, I have been my own employer, teaching Mahjong in Dallas, Texas. Over the past year or so, we’ve seen a huge spike of interest in Mahjong across the country. So, the Mahjong Line, which is a Mahjong tile company, and I have partnered together to develop a Mahjong teacher training program. Since then, I’ve been traveling the country, teaching teachers the best methods on how to teach this complicated game.

What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?

I have a daughter, my oldest of three, and when she started a new school here in Dallas, a mom emailed all of the parents asking if anyone wanted to play this game called Mahjong, an ancient game that is popular in the Jewish community. Some women from her temple came to someone’s house and taught a bunch of us how to play.

From then on, each week we would just meet and play Mahjong. We realized that a lot of great conversation can happen over tiles, and that is how I got into it. We played and played and played, and then I casually taught like my family and a couple of neighbors. And then eventually the Mahjong Line reached out saying they wanted teachers to teach with their tiles.

Since that partnership began, I’ve been asked to be on a couple of expert panels, podcasts, and interviews. Those experiences have marked my progress of being considered an expert in my field by those who have been playing this game for decades. Being invited to participate in those types of things has given me the confidence to continue and to realize that the Mahjong community does acknowledge me as an expert, which feels good.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?

I think the most challenging aspect of running my own business is trying to be more aware of my working hours. I’m working on not replying to an email or a text at 9 PM or at noon on Sunday. It’s difficult navigating that, and I don’t have anyone to tell me to stop working or to work.

I was kind of thrown into this entrepreneur world, and it wasn’t ever really on my radar. It just genuinely happened, which has felt very organic and great at the same time. But, in a lot of ways, it’s like navigating murky waters, and no one’s really there to lead you to the other side all the time.

This is what makes me excited about training teachers because, when I was starting out, I didn’t have a ‘Molly’ to answer these questions or help me develop. The challenging (and fun part) was that I taught myself about how to get clients, teach big groups, do corporate events, and all these things. I finally feel like I’m on the other side, and I am ready to help guide and train others.

What advice would you give to Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?

Find what you love to do and really be open to opportunities that are not on your life plan.

I think being open-minded is what has created a happiness and a joy in work for me. I really benefitted from being open and aware of other options and opportunities. beyond just what I thought what I should be doing, personally or professionally.

We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?

A lot of my network is maintained in person, but also through Instagram! I have a newsletter through my website, which I think is has been really fun. I think if you’re going to run a business online, people love to hear some personal things about you. I think sharing what you’re comfortable with is important for networking. I also love getting out there in the public eye and helping people run Mahjong tournaments!

What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?

I think you owe it to yourself to really try pursuing your passion for whatever amount of time you’re comfortable with (and that might be structured by finances or time).

If I had never tried pursuing teaching Mahjong for six months, I wouldn’t have known that it could be this great. I think the college world can sort of push kids into a set path with set choices. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You have a choice, and I think taking risks is okay.

What’s next for your career? What sorts of future goals or plans are you pursuing?

One of my goals last year was to write a book, which I did! I wrote a Mahjong guide, which I’ve sold thousands of so far, and created some online instructional videos for purchase.

The next big kick has been the Mahjong teacher trainings this summer in Florida, Washington, DC, and Greenwich. It’s been fun to step into the mentor role, and being able to share what I wish I had known when I first started in this field.

Next on my list of goals is to continue the Mahjong teacher training. This fall, the Mahjong Line and I are partnering up and going to other cities with the goal of teaching and raising awareness of Mahjong, while also equipping others to teach the game in the true American Mahjong way.

Story published in July 2024. For current updates on Molly’s career path and to see her work, visit her professional website.