For our Alumna of the Month interview, we spoke to Francesca Collinson (née Williams), Founder of Tiny Travelship.
Francesca joined Bromley High School in Reception in 1995 and left in 2007, after studying A level English, History, Art. She read History at the University of Manchester.
Please can you briefly describe your current role?
I founded Tiny Travelship, a parent-friendly travel brand whilst on maternity leave. I’ve created a community of like-minded parents to share their favourite super-stylish places to stay, play, shop, snack and snap at home and abroad. Collectively we act as a filter and expert resource when it comes to researching, planning and designing dreamy family holidays.
Prior to Tiny Travelship I worked in beauty marketing for seven years. During my tenure in my previous role I helped scale a game-changing hair colour start up from a single-salon business to a disruptive multi-award winning brand. I ran our social and email channels, launched a hugely successful out of home campaign (you may have seen my work on the side of London buses) and helped develop innovative new products.
How did Bromley High School help shape your future career?
A large part of my business and previous jobs has involved copywriting. Shaping stories in an engaging and informative way. My love for English stems from my time at Bromley High. I had an incredible English teacher (shout out to Mrs Davies) who opened my eyes to the magic of literature and the incredible influence of a well-written word.
What aspects of Bromley High School did you most enjoy, and find most rewarding?
The support of the teachers at Bromley High was second to none. With hindsight now can I see how brilliant they were at nurturing my talents, supporting my weaknesses and giving me confidence in myself.
What is your favourite memory of being at Bromley High School?
Our end of year shows. A particular favourite was Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat. I still remember the words to this day. I also loved singing hymns in assembly, especially around Christmas time, the enthusiasm of Year 11 girls belting out ‘five gold rings’ still sticks with me fondly
What value do you get out of your connections with your fellow alumnae?
I’m actually using a fellow Bromley High alumnae to PR Tiny Travelship, I’ve interviewed several other alumnae from other years to feature on my page. There’s a real community from being an old GDST girl, which is so lovely
How have you benefited from being part of the wider GDST community?
Old girls are very good at sticking together. Even if we weren’t in the same year, or even attended the same school, there’s an amazing sense of solidarity in the GDST community
