Sustainability with Style
Inside the creative journey of Dee Dee Jackson…
When Dee Dee Jackson was just 10 years old, she went to live in Jamaica with her father’s side of the family for a year. Living in the Jamaican countryside was a vastly different experience from the life she had been born and raised into in Chico, California. Amid the lush greenery and slowed pace of the island—where every moment is intentional— Jackson attended school, connected with her Jamaican roots and gained a perspective that would ultimately define her world view and set her on a steady path to building a creative empire.
“Living in a different environment gave me a new perspective and shaped the way I see value, resources, consumption and everyday life. My family lives simply, and there’s a deep respect for what you have—things are used, repaired, and passed down rather than replaced,”
says Jackson.
Jackson hails from a long line of entrepreneurs on both sides of the family, so it’s no surprise the multitalented creative found her niche in business ownership. Her career path was dotted with many small creative ventures over the years: a mineral eyeshadow line, a home staging company, chicken breeding and hatching, and even costume making. For five years, she worked as a veterinary technician, a role rooted in her love for animals. It nurtured her sense of care, responsibility and attention to detail.
When her daughter, Milan, was born in 2006, Jackson began sewing. What started as something personal quickly materialized into a full-fledged sewing business called Milan Itzel, specializing in baby clothing, blankets, accessories and custom birthday outfits.
“It was my first experience building something creative of my own and it really sparked my love for working with my hands,” says Jackson.
Every step along the way taught Jackson something different and helped her refine her vision. The journey showed her that she needed the freedom to fully pursue and execute her ideas without limits: “Entrepreneurship wasn’t one single decision—it’s been a process of learning, evolving and continuing to build on what inspires me.”
Jackson moved to Orland in 2009, where she launched three vibrant, interconnected businesses downtown: Studio Milan, Collective Habits and Hylton Avenue Vintage. The common thread that binds them is creativity, community and the creation of meaningful experiences.
Studio Milan, established in 2020, is a creative maker’s space where Jackson hosts hands-on workshops designed for people to unwind and create. From candle making and tea-blending to painting and seasonal projects, workshops are focused on creating an experience—not just a craft—and a finished product in two hours. Classes are approachable and engaging, welcoming people to enjoy the creative process without previous experience or a long-term commitment.
“I’ve always wanted the freedom to ‘taste’ different creative outlets and figure out what resonates, and Studio Milan was built around that idea,” says Jackson.
In 2021, Jackson opened Collective Habits, a brick-and-mortar vintage marketplace offering a unique mix of vintage clothing, home décor and handmade goods. Collective Habits, powered by a solid group of nine female vendors who Jackson says have “been there from the start,” continues to enchant shoppers with a diverse yet cohesive selection of items centered on quality, character and sustainability. Each vendor brings their own point of view—a draw for repeat customers.
“In a world of fast fashion and disposable goods, there’s something special about choosing pieces that have already stood the test of time—buying something that’s been around the block a time or two and giving it a new life. By choosing them, you’re continuing that story rather than contributing to the cycle of overconsumption,” says Jackson.
Hylton Avenue Vintage, Jackson’s personal vintage business, is deeply rooted in her family history. In fact, Hylton Avenue is the lane on which her family in Jamaica lives. Jackson’s connection to brass, old books, worn wood, woven baskets, mirrors and stoneware takes shape in the items she sells under the Hylton Avenue Vintage brand. Natural fibers like wool, linen, cotton and silk reign supreme in the vintage apparel from Jackson’s collection—high-quality garments that are thoughtfully sourced and built to last.
“Hylton Avenue Vintage offers pieces that carry history while giving them a new life in someone else’s home,” says Jackson. “It’s about honoring craftsmanship, reducing waste and creating something lasting.”
Jackson’s three businesses coexist in a singular building at 701 4th Street, in the heart of Downtown Orland. “Together, they create an experience that blends shopping, creativity, and community in one space,” says Jackson.
With the unending support of her husband, Manny, and her daughter, Jackson continues to find the strength to keep building: “My husband has supported me from the beginning, always encouraging me to keep going and trusting that I’ll figure things out along the way. My daughter, Milan, has grown up alongside this journey, attending craft shows, helping with setups, and even creating pieces of her own.”
Jackson isn’t focused on rapid expansion. Instead, she plans to build sustainably in a way that stays true to what she has created. She recently purchased a 1960 Shasta vintage trailer that will serve as a mobile extension of Studio Milan, a chance for people to test drive different forms of creativity at local events.
Jackson’s vision of success extends far beyond her own businesses to the broader Orland community. She has served on the Orland Chamber of Commerce board for four years, including in the role of board president. She currently serves as the vice chair of the Economic Development Commission for the City of Orland.
“We really want Orland to thrive. As a 4th Street Merchant, I am always looking for ways to collaborate with our downtown neighbors,” says Jackson.
From her collaborative work to curate larger events like the Honey and Hot Rods Car Show and the Hometown Harvest Faire to helping to bring the farmer’s market and events like Cowboy Christmas to life in Orland, Jackson takes the phrase “a rising tide floats all boats” to new heights.•
Studio Milan & Collective Habits
701 4th St., Orland • www.studiomilan.co
Find them on Instagram and Facebook
Hylton Avenue Vintage • Find them on Instagram
