Jeannie Jacobs is a woman of reinvention—a former OBGYN whose hands once delivered new life now craft unforgettable moments of beauty, warmth, and soul. Deeply rooted in a legacy of women’s care and resilience, Jeannie’s journey from medicine to lifestyle was born from a desire to heal in a different way: through intentional living, elevated hosting, and soulful storytelling. Today, through her brand Just Jeannie and her upcoming cookbook Welcome to My Table, she brings a French-inspired elegance to her Texas home, weaving scent, style, and substance into everyday life. Whether she’s recreating a Parisian dinner party with Fleur de Sel and Herbes de Provence from Maison Gabrielle or turning a simple meal into a sensory celebration, Jeannie reminds us that living beautifully isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.

Before the Tablescapes,

There Were Scrubs and Newborns

MG: You began your career as an OBGYN—what drew you to that field, and what was most fulfilling about that chapter of your life?

JJ: In my twenties, I discovered that my great-grandmother was a midwife in South Carolina. I had second and third cousins who graduated from medical school and became OBGYNs—without me ever knowing. It became apparent that the honor of caring for women, bringing life into the world, and supporting families as they grew is part of my family's legacy. It's a level of service that not everyone gets to experience and leaves a lasting impact on society.

MG: That work was deeply fulfilling because it allowed me to be part of some of the most meaningful and transformative moments in people's lives.

JJ: It's still rather special—even now—to be walking through the mall, the park, or even at my children's schools and have a mom or dad come up to me and say, "Hey, Dr. Jacobs, you delivered my baby—and here's your baby!" Moments like that touch my heart and remind me that I had the privilege of helping create something lasting—a family. It's one of the greatest honors I've ever had.

MG: What inspired your transition from medicine into the world of lifestyle, entertaining, and luxury living?

JJ: Over time, I watched medicine become "corporatized" and politicized, stripping away the heart of patient care. Being a good doctor, with rules and systems that put profits over people, became nearly criminal. The final straw came when I was verbally and almost physically assaulted by a pregnant COVID-positive patient after a tragic outcome—despite doing everything in my power to help her. I realized then that the field no longer valued me or the care I gave. I chose to walk away to find peace, reclaim my worth, and create a new life where I could inspire, serve, and live with true purpose—on my terms.

MG: How has your background in women's health shaped the way you approach wellness, family time, and self-care today?

JJ: Through it all, I discovered that true wellness isn't just about good health—it's about feeling whole. It's Sunday dinners with family, laughing kids, my favorite candle burning in my home. It's in the spaces we curate our most precious moments. Self-care, I've learned, is not a luxury or a checklist—it's an act of self-respect, the heartbeat of a life well-lived.

Inspiration with a French Accent

MG: What about French living inspires your hosting style?

JJ: The French embrace beauty without apology, value time at the table, the art of conversation, and effortless elegance. These observations influence my relaxed but refined hosting style.

MG: What does your dream Parisian dinner party look like—location, guests, and menu?

JJ: I would choose The Ritz. I love the natural light in Le Grand Brunch as it opens to the patio, showcasing the well-manicured landscape. I love bringing the outside in, and this place is perfect. Beautiful table linens with extraordinary floral arrangements complement the scent to create a welcoming and spirited vibe. My guests would include my best girlfriends, my mom, aunts, and a few famous ladies like Michelle Obama, Sheila Johnson, Ina Garten, Mellody Hobson, Melinda Gates, and Martha Stewart. We'd sip on Kir Royales and dine on warm goat cheese tartelettes with herbs de Provence, seared wild sea bass, glazed heirloom carrots, and a lemon-thyme tart. The music would be soft jazz, of course.

MG: Top three Paris spots for beauty and joy?

1. L'avenue or the Ritz for people-watching and good times with friends.

2. Merci for its curated elegance and interiors.

3. Queen Elizabeth II Market—beautiful florals.

MG: How do you bring that French elegance to Texas?

JJ I keep my spaces layered with textures, fresh florals, ambient scent, and an attitude of joy and ease. Keep it authentic. French style is not about fuss—it's about the feeling.

 

Maison Gabrielle Moments

MG: What drew you to Maison Gabrielle?

JJ: Maison Gabrielle feels like a true celebration of artistry, storytelling, and impeccable flavor. Their commitment to quality and elegance reflects everything I try to bring to life through my lifestyle brands, Just Jeannie and Pivotal Moments—creating experiences that are beautiful, meaningful, and meant to be savored.

MG: How does the brand mirror your lifestyle?

JJ: Maison Gabrielle celebrates refinement with heart. That's how I live—elevated but always rooted in meaning, warmth, and intention

MG: Favorite spices and how you use them?

JJ: Currently, I am enjoying the Shallots, Black Peppercorns, and Fleur de Sel. The Black Peppercorns and Fleur de sel complement just about everything I prepare in my home, like ramen, deviled eggs, and gumbo. The shallots smell incredible, thus signifying their superb quality. The Shallots turn any chicken or sauce-based dish into a showstopper. I use them liberally when I want to impress, but also feed the soul.

MG: What do you love about the Seasonal Box Subscription?

JJ: The element of a monthly surprise is like Christmas to me. Each box brings inspiration and feels like a love letter from France—it makes me want to host, experiment, and create impeccable dishes just because I can.

MG: What is your favorite French dish, and how does Maison Gabrielle's spices elevate it?

JJ: Honestly, when it comes to food, I love simple, classic French flavors—things that are refined, but just a little bit indulgent too. I have a weakness for good carbs, butter, and beautiful seasonal vegetables. My taste for fish has definitely evolved over the years. I refuse to eat most fish in the U.S. when I'm in France, I'll eat it every day.

It all started with Dover Sole, pan-seared in brown butter and finished with lemon and capers. That's still one of my favorite dishes. At home, I recreate it using Maison Gabrielle's Fleur de Sel and freshly cracked peppercorns. It's simple but so flavorful when you have the right ingredients, you really don't need to complicate things. I always pair it with a Gratin Dauphinois—those thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream, garlic, and just a little Maison Gabrielle nutmeg. It's totally irresistible—golden, bubbly, and creamy goodness. To balance it out, I love roasting vegetables-zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes slow-roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of Maison Gabrielle's Herbes de Provence. It's simple, but it brings this rustic elegance to the table that I can never get enough of.

Home, Family & Heart

MG: How do you balance content creation with real life?

JJ: By staying rooted in my "why" my content flows from my real life, not the other way around. My family grounds me, and I'm intentional about choosing quality over quantity.

MG: Are there any special family traditions you have around the table with your family and close friends?

JJ: Sunday dinners are sacred. There are no phones, just stories, laughter, and comfort food. Holidays are a big deal too—each one has its own scent, menu, and curated mood.

MG: Do you have any lessons in hospitality learnt from your childhood?

JJ: My grandmother taught me that hosting is love in action—it's in how you fold the napkin, how you greet guests at the door, and how you make people feel seen and cared for. I’m proud to pass that spirit on to my children—small acts, big heart. It's the very heart of my upcoming cookbook, "Welcome to My Table – Where Food and Life’s Best Moments Happen". This cookbook is a celebration of the little things that make life and gatherings truly meaningful.

MG: How do you elevate a simple family meal?

JJ: I do it with intention through music, candles, and presentation. Even pizza night gets fresh herbs and a chic tablescape or a special drink.

 

Fun, Fabulous & Full of Flavor

MG: What was a "WOW" hosting moment that makes you smile?

JJ: One Christmas, I turned my entire dining room into a winter forest with candles, faux snow and real pine scents everywhere. Guests still talk about it today!

MG: What is your entertaining style as a recipe?

JJ: If I had to describe my entertaining style as a recipe, it would be: a generous pour of soul, a swirl of scent, a splash of style, a pinch of daring, and a whole lot of love—all blended to create something unforgettable.

MG: Any guilty pleasure in the kitchen?

JJ: Right now, my guilty kitchen pleasure is peanut brittle. The roasted peanuts, the hint of salt, and that buttery crunch. It all comes together in a way that just makes my soul hum with delight.

MG: Who would be three iconic women you'd invite to luncheon?

JJ: My Wellesley sister, Hillary Clinton, for her strength, wisdom, and grace. Amelia Earhart, if she were still with us, because as a little girl, I was fascinated reading about her adventures in the encyclopedia and dreaming of finding her lost plane. And of course, Oprah, who is the ultimate conversationalist and knows how to turn any gathering into something transformational. 

We’d dine alfresco over a beautiful spread of fresh chèvre and baguette, chilled French rosé, and delicate French pastries. The conversation would be bold, inspiring, and unforgettable—all about resilience, reinvention, and daring to dream bigger than the world sometimes allows.

MG: What does "living beautifully" mean to you right now?

JJ: Life isn’t about getting everything perfect. It’s about living with intention—waking up with a purpose, paying attention to the little things, and filling every moment with meaning. It’s the small details that end up making life extraordinary.

Looking Ahead With Savoir-faire

MG: What's next for @justjeannie?

JJ: My cookbook, Welcome to My Table – Where Food and Life’s Best Moments Happen, is on the horizon, blending scent, story, and seasonal dishes. I'm also launching a holiday hosting series and expanding into tabletop and curated gift boxes.

MG: What would be a Dream lifestyle venture for you?

JJ: Hosting retreats in Provence or the South of France, where food, scent, and soul come together. I'd love to film a series that brings my masterclass to life in the most magical settings.

MG: What do you hope people feel when they visit your home, website and social channels?

JJ: Seen, soothed, and inspired. Like they've just entered a space where joy is possible and beauty is everywhere.

How do you stay inspired and grounded?

I remind myself often that what you create doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to be you. And I live my content before I share it.

MG: Advice for women reinventing themselves?

JJ: It's never too late to pivot. Start where you are, use what you have, and trust your inner knowing. Your life can be beautiful and bold—even after chapter one.

Jeannie’s journey from OBGYN to lifestyle visionary is a powerful story of courage, reinvention, and living fully on her own terms. Rooted deeply in family legacy and a profound sense of service, she has transformed her passion for wellness, hospitality, and meaningful connection into a lifestyle that celebrates authenticity and joy. Her warmth, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail create spaces where people feel truly seen and cherished—whether around a dinner table or through the stories she shares. Jeannie’s dedication to curating moments of beauty and soul reflects her belief that life’s richest experiences come from intention, love, and a generous spirit. Her inspiring approach encourages all of us to embrace change, honor our roots, and craft a life filled with purpose and grace.

Maison Gabrielle’s exquisite spices perfectly mirror Jeannie’s philosophy—elevating everyday cooking into artful experiences that nourish both body and soul. Together, they invite you to savor the extraordinary in the ordinary and bring a touch of refined elegance to your home, table, and life.

Discover Jeannie Jacobs’ curated world of intentional luxury living at her website (https://www.justjeannie.com) and follow her on Instagram @JustJeannie, where she inspires with elegant moments, purposeful entertaining, and a lifestyle crafted with heart and meaning.

Inspired by Jeannie? Enjoy 10% off your Maison Gabrielle order with checkout code: JUSTJEANNIE at MaisonGabrielleFrance.com