Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Samanthessa R. Jacob, PhD.
Hi Dr. Samanthessa R., it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Dr. Samanthéssa R. Jacob, PhD is a second generation master jeweler, holding a PhD in Management with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Change. Inspired by her mother’s drive for higher education and her father’s jewelry business, she continues the family legacy as the owner of LaCroix Jacob, Enterprises, LLC and recently became the new owner of the Miami Jewelry Institute where she leads a team of instructors who teach the art of designing and making fine jewelry. She also created the MJI Foundation to support young jewelers worldwide, and serves as a business consultant for Sonya’s Fine Island Jewelry in St. Croix, this reflects her passion for mentorship and workforce development within the industry. In addition she has led teams to showcase jewelry pieces in the Miami Swim Week and Paris Fashion Week. Looking forward, Dr. Jacob is committed to expanding her training programs to offer free jewelry making classes to young adults in Haiti, St. Croix, and Ghana funded by her upcoming “Hidden Gems” fundraiser on September 19th, 2026.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has definitely had its challenges, particularly in finding the ideal location to foster a creative environment and building trust with the community after taking over from the previous administration. However, by focusing on creating a welcoming and high quality curriculum, we’ve been able to establish a strong foundation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the Executive Director and an instructor at the Miami Jewelry Institute, I am dedicated to upholding our mission to provide high-end quality training for worldwide individuals pursuing a jewelry career. We specialize in comprehensive training, striving to instill long-lasting educational values and continued support, all while meeting the community’s needs with integrity, excellence, expertise, and compassion- the four pillars that we stand on. I am particularly proud of our team comprised mostly of women who have broken barriers and are passionate about their work. We stand out through our diverse training programs, including the advanced jeweler’s technician program for all area, corporate trainings for industry professionals, and entry-level trainings. Additionally, the Miami Jewelry Institute stands out as one of the first institutes in the United States dedicated solely to jewelry training established in 1987, making us one of Florida’s oldest and among the few that are licenses by the Department of Education.
Furthermore, we provide internship opportunities with real-world experiences, continued support for our alumni until they establish their workshops, and extensive community work through the MJI Foundation, including the apprentice summer program for young adults and programs for incarcerated women, as well as trainings for diverse and underserved communities worldwide.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk is inherent in any entrepreneurial or leadership role. I see it as a necessary part of pursuing the institute’s mission especially with our innovative programs and worldwide reach. A major risk was the initial expansion into community and worldwide training ensuring we could deliver quality education while maintaining our standards and proving real world opportunities. We navigate risks by careful planning, leveraging our team’s expertise, and staying true to our pillars.
Pricing:
- 15,000
- 250-1800
Contact Info:
