From a Thrift Store Find to a Lucrative Auction: My Story

I first ventured into the world of thrifting and antiquing when I was just 12 years old. The idea of giving new life to items that others no longer wanted fascinated me, and I was drawn to the sustainability aspect of it all.

When I left my job to stay home with my children, thrifting became my creative outlet. I'd take my little one in a stroller to Goodwill, fueled by my intuition about potential treasures, even when extensive research wasn't an option back in the mid-90s.

Fast forward to recent times, and the world of thrifting has become more competitive. More people are on the lookout for valuable items, and places like Goodwill curate their selections for online sales.

My passion for finding and restoring items led me to start my own antique business. Eventually, I branched into home staging and then interior design, thanks to my knack for transforming spaces, honed over living in nine different homes.

After a 30-year marriage ended, I found myself starting afresh in Milwaukee, where I knew only my daughter. It was a significant shift from my long-time home in Chicago, and exploring local thrift stores helped me familiarize myself with the new environment.

A Fortunate Find at Goodwill

In the summer of 2025, during one of my regular visits to a nearby thrift store, I stumbled upon two bowls priced at a mere $.99 each. On closer inspection, the quality stood out to me.

With a background in ceramics, thanks to my sister's influence, I recognized potential significance in the pieces, especially after noticing the signature and serial number on the bottom.

These bowls were the handiwork of Otto and Gertrude Natzler, a couple known for their contributions to the artistic pottery movement of the mid-20th century. They fled Austria during World War II and helped revive people's appreciation for pottery in California.

A Thrilling Outcome at Auction

Recognizing their potential value, I entrusted the bowls to an auction house with experience in Natzler pieces. They sold for an impressive $1,397 at a Rago Auctions event in August 2025, a result that far exceeded my expectations.

I shared the exciting outcome on social media, and it quickly captured interest, much to my surprise. It’s a shared thrill, spotting hidden gems and turning them into opportunities.

While I often sell my finds, some items, like a centuries-old engraved book and a historical map, remain treasured parts of my collection.

Connecting with fellow enthusiasts who understand the joy of discovery is incredibly rewarding, especially when my intuitive hunch proves fruitful in such a remarkable way.