OUR ORIGIN STORY
CRAFTING A LEGACY
The story behind Stephen Bozzone, founder of YourStory Home Design.
His family story and legacy.
CHAPTER 1:
MY WOODWORKING JOURNEY
Growing up, my father was a skilled woodworker who had a passion for creating beautiful things out of wood. As a child, I spent countless hours in his garage workshop, fascinated by his craftsmanship. Watching him work ignited a deep love for woodworking within me, and I will forever be grateful for the skills he passed down.
During my middle school years, I developed a newfound interest in astronomy. I purchased a telescope and considered myself an amateur astronomer. But I wanted to take it a step further and customize my telescope to suit my needs. I envisioned a wooden box with a front door to house my astronomy gear, along with a workspace on top. I even drafted blueprints for the design. With my dad's help, we cut the wood and assembled the box, attaching it securely to the telescope base. It was a proud moment for both of us.
Another cherished memory I have of my dad is when we worked together to restore my first vehicle, a worn-out 1966 Chevrolet Stepside pickup truck. Despite not having my driver's license at the time, we were determined to transform it into a reliable and visually appealing truck. We replaced rusted bumpers with thick pine wood beams, designed and installed a new wood plank flatbed, and even crafted a custom wood center console. That truck became known as the "Termite Delight Delivery Truck" a whimsical name for a vehicle infused with so much wood.
Throughout my woodworking journey, my dad remained patient and encouraging, guiding me through the process and teaching me valuable lessons. He never grew frustrated with my mistakes but emphasized the importance of having fun and nurturing creativity.
Sadly, my dad passed away a few years ago, but his legacy lives on through my furniture business. Working with wood brings me immense joy, and I take pride in creating beautiful pieces that people will cherish for years to come.
CHAPTER 2:
FAMILY DINNER/BIG TABLE
In the 1970s and early 1980s, our family experienced financial ups and downs. Yet, amidst the unpredictability, we could always rely on my dad to ensure there was food on the table. We never went hungry or missed a meal. Our family of six, including my older brother, younger sister, my baby brother, and I, would gather around a large table to share our meals. Skipping meals due to teenage angst and drama was not tolerated. We would eat dinner and talk about our days at school and my Mom would share gross stories about the surgeries she assisted with as an operating room nurse at a local hospital.
But our dining experiences were not limited to indoors. We also had a magnificent outdoor wood slab table, a true masterpiece crafted by my dad. At a time when slab tables were not as popular as they are today, my dad's creation stood as a testament to his innovative spirit. The table's massive four-foot width and 15-foot length made it a focal point for extended family gatherings, bringing us all closer together.
CHAPTER 3:
MECHANIC TO MECHANICAL ENGINEER.
THE POWER OF WORDS
Enrolling in the International Technical Institute in Tampa, Florida, I initially pursued certification as an auto mechanic. College didn't resonate with me, and I believed that this path would suit my interests better. However, one conversation with my instructor, Ed Brown, would change the trajectory of my life.
As my classmates worked on engines one evening, Ed approached me and asked, "What are you doing here?" Perplexed, I awaited an explanation. He continued, "You see these guys? They're mechanics. But you're too smart to be a mechanic. You should be an engineer."
His words struck a chord within me, and I decided to give college another chance. After completing three semesters of math prerequisites, I finally had the opportunity to take calculus. Though challenging, I fell in love with the subject. Six years later, I proudly graduated with Honors from the University of Florida, holding a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
CHAPTER 4:
LIFE IN CORPORATE AMERICA:
THREE LAYOFFS IN FIVE YEARS
Armed with my mechanical engineering degree, I embarked on a career in corporate America. Over the next 30+ years, I experienced the ebb and flow of the professional world. However, my journey was not without its setbacks. Beginning in 2007, I faced a series of layoffs, being let go three times from different companies due to downsizing.
After the second layoff, I realized the need to take control of my career and livelihood. I started a side business offering mechanical design services to aspiring inventors. It was a valuable learning experience that provided additional income. Yet, amidst it all, I felt a void. I longed to create something tangible, to work with my hands. It was during the third layoff that everything fell into place.
CHAPTER 5:
EMPLOYEE TO ENTREPRENEUR.
NEW SEASON
As the third layoff occurred, a switch flipped within me. I knew I had to create for myself. That's when I pivoted my design-for-hire business and embraced my passion for woodworking. Combining my love for craftsmanship with the engineering knowledge I gained in college, I embarked on a new chapter.
As a recently married couple, my wife and I needed furniture that not only met our needs but also spoke to our values and aspirations. Not having a lot of money was a motivating factor. So I began building furniture for our own home.
We needed several furniture pieces that were made with solid wood and that had higher build quality that was available in stores. With every item I crafted, my passion grew stronger. In 2014, I decided to take a leap of faith and started selling my work. Building each piece with care, using top-quality materials, and infusing it with personal touches became my mission. I wanted to ensure that future generations would fight over who inherits these cherished family heirlooms, continuing the tradition of storytelling through furniture.
The woodworking business not only fulfilled my desire to work with my hands but also brought joy to others as they experienced the beauty and functionality of the pieces I created.
CHAPTER 6:
BUILD A LEGACY.
DESIGN YOUR LEGACY
We believe that your home holds the power to bring loved ones together, to encourage conversation, and to foster connection.
Our pieces are created with intention and attention to detail, blending craftsmanship and engineering expertise. With every stroke of a hand plane and every joint meticulously crafted, we shape not just furniture but also family narratives.
In our furniture business, we strive to craft custom pieces that transcend time—a legacy of stories and memories reflecting our client’s lifestyles, connecting generations and fostering cherished memories. Just like the rings of a tree trunk, each furniture piece in a home carries unique memories.
In our workshop, we help individuals and families to purposefully design their story. We create bespoke pieces that mirror their lifestyles, forging connections across generations and fostering treasured memories. Our goal is to ensure that future generations will passionately vie for the privilege of inheriting these beloved family heirlooms, perpetuating the rich tradition of storytelling through furniture.
So...
WHAT'S YOUR FAMILY STORY?
Together, let's design a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
A testament to the power of craftsmanship, creativity, and the enduring spirit of love and togetherness.
