Jessica Chavez and Jackie Greaves rock The Big Room at SILVA as the Hot Glue Creux
After taking the stage in matching “JUICY” tracksuits, Jess and Jackie bring humor and excitement to a room of creatives with one simple craft: 90s bead lizards!
About the speaker
Hot Glue Creux is a craft club founded by Jess and Jackie, who met while volunteering at Lions & Rabbits. They shared a simple idea: creativity should be accessible, social, and a little unexpected. What started as casual craft nights with friends has blossomed into a platform for connection—part community project, part business, and all heart.
We design experiences that bring people together to make things with their hands. From sold-out craft socials at local breweries to team-building sessions that turn coworkers into collaborators, every project is thoughtfully curated and approachable. We also offer take-home kits so you can continue the fun at your own table. Each experience is designed to spark conversation, laughter, and that satisfying "I made this" feeling.
At its core, Hot Glue Creux is about possibility. We're building a space where craft is more than an activity; it's a tool for connection, creativity, and growth. We believe the best ideas don't come from playing it safe but from making a little mess, taking a chance, and watching something new take shape. And if it turns out slightly imperfect? Even better. That's where the magic lives.
Jackie Greaves is the person you call when you’ve got a big idea and need someone to actually make it happen. She’s spent the last decade running events of every shape and size — concerts, art markets, workshops, weddings, you name it, usually with a checklist in one hand and a coffee in the other.
As the former Business Manager of Wealthy Theatre, Jackie has helped shape beloved community spaces while building connections across the Grand Rapids arts and nonprofit scene. She now channels that experience into event consulting, supporting organizations, small businesses, and creatives in bringing their visions to life.
Her specialty? Making things “look" effortless, connecting people who should know each other, and crafting experiences that feel more like community gatherings than corporate functions. She’s equal parts detail-oriented and big-picture, and believes the best events are the ones where you leave with a new friend, a good story, or at the very least, a snack.
Driven by a deep passion for community, Jackie thrives on building collaborative spaces where creativity, connection, and joy collide. When she’s not corralling crafts, she’s likely thrifting, cooking, or hanging out with her dogs, Ludo and Rufio — who, frankly, run the show.
Jess is an artist, entrepreneur, and community builder. A Colorado native, she was raised in a creative and active family that encouraged her to explore both her artistic and athletic talents. She went on to swim at West Virginia University, where she studied Studio Arts, before transferring to Oklahoma State University to complete her degree in Interior Design.
After a few years as a designer, she transitioned into a successful career in recruiting, supporting creative and technical teams at companies like Stripe, Meta, and Indeed. The fast-paced, high-stress environment left her seeking a creative outlet. She began organizing casual craft nights for friends, rediscovering her passion for making things with her hands and helping others do the same.
In 2023, she moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and found a new opportunity to build a community that helps adults reconnect with their creativity. Today, Jess is an active member of the Grand Rapids community, volunteering for multiple arts organizations and building a business dedicated to bringing creativity back into the lives of busy adults.
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Hosted by
SILVA Grand Rapids
975 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Grand Rapids, Michigan United States 49503
Date
Partners
Adobe
Green Giftz
Brightformat
SILVA
Last Mile Cafe
Bad Idea Social Club
Green Frog
Kendall College of Art and Design
Grand Rapids Entertainment Group