Meet: Nora Henick
NYC-based Director of Audience Development, Baker, and eBay Curator
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Join us as we chat with Nora about building a Substack from her eBay rabbit holes, learning that ‘to love doesn’t always mean to own,’ and baking as her creative reprieve.
Before we start, for those who don’t know you, can you share what you do and where you’re based?
Hi! My name is Nora, I’m based in Brooklyn, New York and I work for a social media consulting agency, but in my spare time I bake a lot and have a Substack called ‘Thanks It’s From’ where I find the best things on eBay for you and send them directly to your inbox.
Take us back to the beginning. How did “Thanks It’s From eBay” come to be?
I started Thanks It’s From in November 2022 because my friends were ever so kindly the only recipients of my constant influx of eBay links and after discussion with them, I realized there was probably a broader audience that would enjoy them as well. I’m a big fan of shopping what already exists; I appreciate that a piece may have lived a life with someone else before it made its way to me, and hopefully one day it will live a life with someone else long after me.
Do you remember an early purchase or obsession that first shaped your sense of style or collecting?
I wish I had an answer for this, but unfortunately for many of the people in my life, I have a really bad memory.
How has online vintage sourcing shaped your taste and creativity, especially while living in a city that’s already overflowing with vintage and estate treasures?
It’s made me more interested in understanding the how — how are pieces made, why have they shifted in production throughout time (rough thing to read about a lot of the time, however it gives me an appreciation for sellers I find online that are producing pieces in small batches by hand).
In terms of being in a city that’s overflowing with vintage and estate treasures, I don’t find myself overstimulated by that. I have a pretty good sense of what I like, but I also love seeing what other people find and curate.
Sort of in that same vein, has living in New York changed your relationship to objects? Do you think about space, storage, or impulse differently than you would somewhere else?
I’m not sure my relationship has consciously changed because of living in New York (though I’m sure it’s subconsciously unavoidable with limited space), but I do think my relationship with purchasing things has changed as I’ve gotten older. I try to be a lot more intentional, and I like to think about something before I do it. Instant gratification isn’t something I focus on anymore.
What do you think someone’s eBay wishlist reveals about them?
A piece of them that is about their untethered wants, not always what they have or what they’ll buy.
You often bring in guest curators to share their lists. What have those curators taught you about your own taste that you might not have noticed otherwise?
Less about taste and more about my relationship with tangible items.
“To love does not always mean to own.”
One of the best lessons from guest curator Ochuko Akpovbovbo. Sometimes just appreciating is enough.
When you’re not sourcing online, what other creative outlets or influences feed into your work?
I love to bake, so I love to learn about new recipes. I’m also infinitely inspired by the people I surround myself with, and I am really so thankful for that. I’ve become a new Knicks fan, which is an outlet I never saw myself having. It did lead me to creating something silly just to be creative —istimotheeattheknicksgame.com?
What is it about eBay that feels different from the other resale platforms out there?
To me, it feels very of the time it was made. I love that often, I’m messaging with sellers who are my parents' age and have been collecting for most of their lives, or they’ve just decided they need to part with some pieces. Sometimes the photos are janky, and sometimes that makes it even better.
For someone just dipping their toes into eBay, what’s the one piece of advice you’d hand them?
Resist the urge to buy something because you’re scared it will sell. Sit on it and come back to it if it’s really calling to you. There will always be another piece if the first one sells. And fifteen more if need be.
If “Thanks It’s From Ebay” could spill into another format beyond Substack and IG (like a book, a show, or a pop-up,) what would that look like?
I’m really excited to share that it is! I’m doing my first ever pop-up at Heart and Lou’s in New York, NY on November 15th. It will be vintage and secondhand sterling silver jewelry and homeware, all under $200. Come shop, or just come hang. I’d be happy with either!
Before we let you almost go, where can we find more of you?
Over on thanksitsfrom.substack.com or if you live in Brooklyn, probably outside trying to take a good picture of the moon.
Let’s Get Deep
What’s your theme song?
Crowded Table by The Highwomen (Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires)
Night In or Night Out?
Night In
When do you feel most you?
I think it changes, and I think I’m still figuring it out.
What’s something you’re obsessed with right now?
Laughing with my friends.
Call or Text?
Text, unless it’s something important. Then please call me. Or if you’re my mom, dad or grandma, please call me. I like to hear the sound of your voices.
When was the last time you cried?
I’m an overly sensitive Pisces. Today.
When’s the last time you laughed (like a big belly laugh)?
Anytime I’m with my friends. Laughing with your friends is medicine.
Current favorite follow on social media?
@black.bear.rescue -- I love Winston.
Lastly, what’s one thing you would tell your 16-year-old self?
It’s awesome that you’re still here.
Find More of Nora here:
Listen to Nora’s Playlist: Here
