Growing with the family business
Holly Thallon Steenson, Managing Director, Viridian Nutrition Stepping into a family business can feel like an obligation, but for Holly Thallon Steenson, it was a calling. Holly’s journey from event management to leading one of the UK’s top supplement brands is a story of passion, alignment, and purpose. Growing up, Holly was surrounded by the entrepreneurial spirit of her mother, Cheryl Thallon, who founded Viridian Nutrition 25 years ago. From an early age, Holly witnessed what it took to build and sustain a values-driven business. But, despite her deep connection to Viridian (which she refers to as her “little sister”) joining the business was never a foregone conclusion. Having earned a degree in event management, Holly embarked on a successful career in corporate events. My family always joked that I was born with a clipboard - always prepared with a checklist and full of enthusiasm “I naturally gravitated toward events. I loved the organisational side, the creativity, the opportunity to travel… and, yes, even Gantt charts!” As her career grew, Holly began to reflect on what truly mattered – feeling drawn to the values embedded in Viridian: purity, charity, and sustainability which aligned deeply with her own beliefs.
During the pandemic, both Holly and her mother found themselves contemplating the future. It was during that time of reflection that time Holly made the pivotal decision to return to Viridian, not out of obligation, but a genuine desire to contribute to and evolve the family business. I wanted my work to align more closely with my personal values - particularly around charity and sustainability Mum had enrolled in a business growth programme and was developing a roadmap for Viridian. Legacy and longevity were central themes. That week, I asked her about joining the business.” But the transition was not without its challenges. Holly was stepping into a leadership role previously held by her mum - a well-respected leader in the industry. Holly worked hard to prove herself, seeking mentorship, engaging with industry peers, and learning every aspect of the business. “I think one of the biggest challenges for NextGens is stepping into the shoes and the legacy of those who came before us. Even though my mum is only a size four, she’s a titan in the natural products industry and that brought a lot of pressure when I joined Viridian.” Shadowing her mother, Holly learned the nuances of leadership while developing her own management style and ensuring the Viridian team felt secure and valued during the transition.
“For us, it was about respecting the process and being transparent. We worked hard to communicate openly with our teams, suppliers, and customers to be certain that everyone felt confident.” “Mum and I both needed to be sure that I was the right fit – not just because I was family, but because I had the passion, energy, and ambition to lead Viridian into the future. Viridian has been built over 25 years, and it deserves a leader who truly cares for its future.” Holly’s journey demonstrates that stepping into a family business does not mean simply continuing a legacy – it means shaping it with new ideas, perspectives, and leadership. Under her guidance, Viridian is not just maintaining its status as a trusted brand but growing into its next chapter with innovation and integrity.
Holly with her mum, Cheryl, who founded Viridian Nutrition
Holly Thallon Steenson Managing Director Viridian Nutrition
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