Susan Rosten, left, and Lilly Nahoney are two of the artisans who craft merchandise and work in store, alongside Juanita Luna of JLuna’s Boutique and Rachel Cerna and Christina Cerna of a Vintage Affair.

 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Uptown Collective, located at 108 N. First St., had humble beginnings.

The boutique, established in July 2020 by Rebecca Robinson, acted as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic as several downtown store owners experienced financial hardships, due to the lack of customers.

Uptown Collective’s goal is to act as a collective, bringing artisanal women together to share in their craft while giving downtown visitors another shop to check out. In 2025, after some re-adjustment, the initial goal remains true.

The women-owned business offers a variety of one-of-a-kind gifts, such as sea glass jewelry, vintage apparel, hand-sewn aprons and handmade scarves.

While Uptown Collective is the brainchild of Robinson, many of the wares sold there are crafted by Robinson’s business partners, Susan Rosten, Lilly Nahoney, Juanita Luna and sisters Rachel and Christina Cerna.

The Cernas own A Vintage Affair, which specializes in vintage apparel and gifts.

Luna owns JLuna’s Boutique, which offers a collection of handcrafted jewelry and scarves.

Rosten, owner of Jewels by the Sea, specializes in sea glass and fine jewelry.

Nahoney of Lilly of the Arts primarily sews bags, aprons and other handmade items that celebrate Dixon.

According to Rosten, she and Nahoney were originally part of the business in 2020, when it first opened.

Uptown Collective intends to host art classes and pop-ups. Raffles and monthly events are also in the works.

Previously located at 130 N. First St., the boutique has re-opened twice, once in November 2024 after relocating, and again on Jan. 25 after a year-long break to get other artists involved.

“As an artist, (Uptown Collective) allows me to spend time in my workshop while my merchandise is selling in the store, even when I am not there. It is better than having to go to six to 10 pop-up events. I have a website as well but it is easier for people to see merchandise in person,” Rosten said.

According to Nahoney, the boutique intends to do something special each month, such as holiday events and raffles. In honor of Valentine’s Day, a teddy bear named Bobbie has been hidden in the store throughout February. Guests who locate the bear win a 3-foot-tall felt rose. 

Uptown Collective’s goal is to act as a collective, bringing artisanal women together to share in their craft while giving downtown visitors another shop to check out.

Uptown Collective offers a service where, according to Rosten, residents can shop locally and feel good about it. The business maintains a focus on the community, she said.

 “I feel we are building a community around women who grew up in Dixon and love it,” Nahoney said. “It feels like family when people come here. Even people new to the area find something to love.”

Said Rosten, “We want to give back to the community, so we make it a fun place to shop. Most people who come to the store leave as friends.”

Uptown Collective has several plans in the works, including offering art classes and pop-ups, according to Nahoney.

Nahoney and Rosten are two of the approximately 20 local artists attending Soroptimist International of Dixon’s Art Uncorked Event on March. 15. 

For more information about the boutique, visit Uptown Collective’s Instagram page @uptown.collective.dixon.