ST. HELENA, CA — In Napa Valley, where tradition and innovation intertwine, Celeste White has emerged as a leader whose influence stretches across business, philanthropy, and community life. Her story is a living testament to the idea that true success lies not only in achievement but in service—where vision, gratitude, and purpose converge to create lasting impact.
Inspiring Leadership Through Reflection and Collaboration
As the founder and Chair of Lux Forum, Celeste has created a platform that redefines what it means to lead in today’s complex world. Lux Forum brings together leaders, innovators, and creatives for conversations that spark transformation—spaces where gratitude, collaboration, and reflection take precedence over competition.
“When leaders gather to listen rather than to impress, real change becomes possible,” Celeste explains. This philosophy underpins every aspect of Lux Forum’s mission.
More than a conference, Lux Forum is a movement of conscious leadership. Its gatherings blend intellectual dialogue with spiritual grounding, creating experiences that are as personal as they are professional. Each event is carefully curated to inspire attendees to think deeply about purpose and to act boldly on behalf of their communities.
Under Celeste’s leadership, Lux Forum has evolved into a signature Napa Valley institution—one that attracts thought leaders from across industries while staying rooted in local values. The Forum’s influence extends far beyond its events, nurturing a growing network of individuals who believe that business and service are not separate callings, but complementary ones.
Cultivating Heritage and Sustainability with Horse Rock Olive Oil
Celeste’s entrepreneurial journey is as grounded as it is visionary. As CEO of Horse Rock Olive Oil, she oversees a family-rooted brand that produces premium estate-grown olive oil from her ranch in St. Helena. The company reflects her belief that innovation begins with honoring heritage, and that sustainability is as much a mindset as it is a method.
Horse Rock Olive Oil is more than a business—it’s a reflection of place and purpose. Every bottle represents the marriage of Napa Valley’s agricultural excellence and Celeste’s commitment to wellness, authenticity, and environmental responsibility.
“The land is generous when it’s cared for,” she says. “It teaches patience, balance, and respect—values that guide both farming and leadership.”
Through Horse Rock, Celeste has elevated a family tradition into a brand that embodies Napa Valley’s spirit—where quality and craftsmanship meet conscience and care. Her stewardship extends beyond the product itself, encompassing the people, practices, and principles that ensure longevity for both the business and the land it depends on.
Innovating with Compassion in Healthcare
Celeste’s leadership also shines in healthcare innovation, where she has co-founded Stitches Medical and WearTootles.com. These ventures reflect her belief that entrepreneurship should begin with empathy and end with impact.
Both companies prioritize human well-being over mere efficiency. Stitches Medical focuses on products that improve patient comfort and dignity, while WearTootles.com explores wearable technology designed to enhance wellness and independence. Together, they illustrate how business can be both compassionate and cutting-edge.
“True innovation doesn’t just solve problems—it serves people,” Celeste notes. “When business decisions are guided by care, success naturally follows.”
Through these ventures, she continues to demonstrate how leadership grounded in empathy can redefine entire industries, merging practicality with purpose in meaningful ways.
A Lifelong Commitment to Faith, Mentorship, and Service
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Celeste White has spent decades investing her time and heart in service to others. A graduate and trustee of Westmont College, she has long championed education, youth mentorship, and faith-based initiatives throughout Northern California.
Her community involvement spans a range of organizations, including The Salvation Army, Hospice, and Ag 4 Youth, each reflecting her dedication to strengthening families and empowering young people. Celeste has also guided future equestrian leaders through the U.S. Pony Club, teaching not just riding skills but life lessons in discipline, patience, and stewardship.
Her faith-centered approach to service has inspired many. Alongside her husband, Dr. Robert White, she was honored with The Salvation Army’s Nehemiah Award, recognizing their outstanding contributions to leadership and community building. The award symbolizes the couple’s shared belief that faith and philanthropy are inseparable—that true leadership is defined not by position, but by purpose.
“Faith gives clarity to our work,” Celeste says. “It reminds us that we’re here to build, not just for ourselves, but for others.”
Grounded in Ranch Life and Gratitude
Even as her influence spans multiple industries, Celeste remains deeply connected to her roots in St. Helena. Life on her ranch—with its vineyards, olive groves, and horses—continues to shape her sense of balance and perspective.
Her love for the equestrian life offers lessons that echo throughout her leadership: trust, grace, and attentiveness. “Working with horses teaches you presence,” she reflects. “You can’t lead through force—you lead through connection.”
It’s this balance—between drive and stillness, growth and gratitude—that defines Celeste’s approach to leadership. Her ranch is not only a home but a source of renewal, a reminder that success is most meaningful when it’s grounded in authenticity and appreciation.
A Legacy of Purpose for Napa Valley and Beyond
As Napa Valley continues to evolve, Celeste White stands as a bridge between its rich traditions and its dynamic future. Her work across Lux Forum, Horse Rock Olive Oil, Stitches Medical, and WearTootles.com demonstrates how innovation and purpose can thrive together when guided by gratitude.
Her life’s work challenges conventional definitions of leadership—moving it away from ambition alone and toward contribution, compassion, and connection. Whether she’s hosting a forum, developing a product, or mentoring a young leader, Celeste brings the same dedication to excellence and empathy.
For Celeste, success has never been about accolades or titles. It has always been about legacy—the kind built in communities, carried forward through generosity, and rooted in the belief that purpose is the most powerful form of progress.
“We build our lives through what we create, but we define them through how we serve,” she says.
In Napa Valley and beyond, Celeste White’s story is a reminder that leadership is not just about reaching the top—it’s about lifting others along the way.
