Maddison Fletcher CO14

Did you enjoy your time at Truro School?

Yes absolutely! I moved to Truro School when I was 13 (in 3rd year) and loved every second of it, right up until Upper Sixth. I lived in Penzance at the time so the commute to and from school was long but always worth it.

Do you have any special or specific memories of your time at Truro School?

My Economics lessons with Miss Thompson (Director of Student Progression 2012-2017) were always my favourite. We only had a small class of about six or seven of us so it was great fun! Miss Thompson was the reason I went on to study Economics at University. The Madrid trips were always stand-out for me as well.

Did you have any siblings or other relations at Truro School? If so, what are their names?

Yes I have a younger brother, Jim Fletcher CO17.

Did you have any specific career dreams or aspirations? Or when did you first decide upon a particular path? I have had many different career aspirations. From a young age I dreamed of being a dancer. This then progressed into an architect and then investment banker after studying Economics at A-Level. However, ultimately, I have always wanted to work for myself. The freedom aspect was the most appealing for me.

What did you do immediately after leaving Truro School?

After completing my A-Levels I went on to study Economics at Cardiff University. Then, after graduating, I went on to do something completely different - I worked for Ibiza Rocks Hotel for two summers in Ibiza. I have always loved the island after our first holiday post-A-Level exams. In November 2019 I moved to Manchester where I stayed during the lockdown and worked as an Account Executive for a local foods company.

Where do you live now?

I live in Ibiza now! After living here for two summers I knew it was the place for me. I made Ibiza my permanent home in March 2022.

If you have now moved away from Cornwall, do you manage to visit the county and have you ever come back to Truro School for a visit?

Since making the permanent move I haven’t actually made it back to the UK. Now that I live in Ibiza I have quite a few friends coming out to visit me as you can imagine! I plan to spend a bit of time in Cornwall over Christmas, it will be nice to see my family. A few years ago I came back to Truro School to talk to the Economics students about studying the subject at University; it was great to catch up with a few of my teachers.

Where do you work now and where is your employment based?

I live and work in Ibiza. I have my own business, Fou Furnishings. The business and the warehouse are based in the UK, however I carry everything out remotely.

What does your current role entail?

Fou Furnishings sells luxury, organic bedding to both homes and hotels. So day to day I’m liaising with trade customers, fabric suppliers and our manufacturers. The pandemic and Brexit were big obstacles for us. Shipping costs have greatly increased and organic cotton was scarce for a long time. However, we have recovered well and it’s onwards and upwards from here!

Is there anything that you are especially proud of relating to your life or career?

For me, Ibiza is the only thing I have always been 100% certain on. So, making Ibiza my permanent home has been my biggest achievement in my opinion. That and being able to work for myself and making my own hours. Oh and my degree - I found exams extremely challenging so I was extremely pleased when I achieved a 2:1!

Did you consider any other career?

Working for myself has always been my main goal, the field never really mattered too much to me. I knew absolutely nothing about bedding or organic cotton a couple of years ago, but now I run a business that sells organic cotton sheets!

Is there any advice you could offer anyone considering a similar life or career path?

My advice: don’t be afraid to change something if it’s not working for you. I first went to Royal Holloway University after leaving school. I knew this wasn’t the right place for me after two terms so I left and re-applied. Going to Cardiff University was the best choice for me, I absolutely loved Cardiff. That’s not to say you should give something up when it becomes hard! Just don’t keep carrying on a path that you know isn’t right for you. Secondly, if things don’t go the way you expected, just go with it. Everything happens for a reason.

Please tell us a little about your family life

I used to live just outside of Penzance with my parents, Adam and Julie, and my brother, Jim. The majority of my family live in South Cornwall. My parents’ business is in amusement arcades, which my brother is now heavily involved in.

Are any of your family still located in Cornwall?

Yes the majority of my family all live in Cornwall and always have done.

What are your hobbies or how is your leisure time spent?

My passion is music so the majority of my leisure time is spent enjoying all that the island has to offer! Making clothes is another hobby of mine, so I like to make the odd outfit from time to time.

Are you still in touch with anyone from your time at Truro School?

Yes, I’m in regular contact with two of my best friends Beth Angove CO14 and Mary Ford CO14. They both live in London so I try to see them as often as I can when I’m in the UK.

Do you feel your time at School, or anything about your time here, helped you to progress in later life? You were always pushed to be your best, whatever that may be. This really helped propel me into university life and beyond.

What are your immediate/long-term plans for the future?

I want to further grow my business and continue to enjoy island life!

I have been a lucky boy - this year I ran the London Marathon. I’ve dreamed of running the Marathon since I started running and always planned to a) run it for a charity b) in fancy dress.