In Napa Valley—where tradition meets innovation and the spirit of community runs deep—Celeste White has emerged as a leader whose influence reaches far beyond business. An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community advocate, Celeste is known for blending purpose with innovation across every venture she touches. Her work reflects a rare balance of creativity and compassion, vision and humility—qualities that have made her a trusted voice in business, wellness, and civic life.
Cultivating Ideas with Purpose: The Vision Behind Lux Forum
As President and Chair of Lux Forum, the thought-leadership platform she founded, Celeste curates transformative events designed to inspire reflection, gratitude, and collaboration. Lux Forum has become more than a gathering place; it is a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and lasting change.
Under Celeste’s leadership, the Forum brings together leaders from diverse industries—entrepreneurs, educators, civic innovators, and philanthropists—to exchange ideas that transcend conventional boundaries. Each event is intentionally designed to spark deeper conversations about leadership, service, and the shared human experience. In an era defined by speed and competition, Lux Forum offers something increasingly rare: a space for thoughtful connection.
Celeste’s guiding philosophy for the Forum is simple yet profound—ideas have the power to build bridges, but only when rooted in gratitude and shared purpose. Through each gathering, she invites participants to see leadership not as authority, but as stewardship—a chance to use one’s influence for the greater good.
Honoring the Land: A Family Legacy in Horse Rock Olive Oil
Celeste’s entrepreneurial vision extends to the fertile soil of Napa Valley, where she leads Horse Rock Olive Oil as CEO. This premium, estate-grown brand is more than a business—it’s a continuation of her family’s heritage and a testament to her belief that success is strongest when it’s sustainable.
The olive oil, cultivated and pressed on her family’s ranch in St. Helena, embodies Celeste’s dedication to authenticity, quality, and environmental stewardship. Every bottle represents more than fine craftsmanship—it tells a story of family tradition, connection to the earth, and respect for the agricultural roots that define Napa Valley.
Through Horse Rock Olive Oil, Celeste has created a brand that celebrates wellness, simplicity, and the joy of gathering around good food. Her approach reflects a deep understanding that nourishment extends beyond the table; it includes nurturing relationships, honoring heritage, and sustaining the natural world.
“Horse Rock is about more than olive oil,” Celeste often says. “It’s about gratitude—gratitude for the land, for the people who cultivate it, and for the opportunity to share something pure.”
Compassionate Innovation: Transforming Healthcare with Purpose
Celeste’s dedication to purposeful innovation also shines through in her contributions to healthcare. As co-founder of Stitches Medical and WearTootles.com, she has helped shape ventures that bring empathy, design, and technology together to improve quality of life.
Both initiatives emphasize compassion as a cornerstone of progress. Stitches Medical focuses on creating patient-centered healthcare products, while WearTootles.com integrates wearable technology to support comfort and wellness. These companies embody Celeste’s belief that innovation should serve humanity first—bridging the gap between need and care, science and soul.
For Celeste, entrepreneurship is never an end in itself. Each venture is a reflection of her broader mission: to use creativity and strategy in service of others. Her leadership in healthcare demonstrates how compassion and commerce, when intertwined, can elevate entire communities.
A Lifelong Commitment to Service and Mentorship
Beyond her professional achievements, Celeste has dedicated decades to service, mentorship, and faith-based leadership. A graduate and trustee of Westmont College, she continues to invest her time and expertise in initiatives that nurture young leaders and strengthen communities.
Her influence extends across Northern California through her work with organizations such as the U.S. Pony Club, The Salvation Army, Hospice, and Ag 4 Youth. Through these programs, she has empowered youth to lead with integrity, supported families through times of transition, and championed causes rooted in compassion and resilience.
Celeste’s hands-on approach to philanthropy distinguishes her as more than a donor—she is an active participant in the lives and futures of those she serves. Her mentorship of young equestrians, for example, goes far beyond skill development; it’s about instilling confidence, responsibility, and grace under pressure.
Together with her husband, Dr. Robert White, Celeste has also become a cornerstone of civic generosity in Napa Valley. The couple was honored with The Salvation Army’s Nehemiah Award, recognizing their leadership and lifelong commitment to community service. This distinction reflects the heart of Celeste’s philosophy: that leadership means lifting others higher.
Rooted in Faith, Family, and the Napa Valley Way of Life
Amid her many responsibilities, Celeste remains deeply connected to her roots. Life on her family’s ranch in St. Helena offers a sanctuary where she can pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. Surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and horses, she finds inspiration in the land that shaped her values—resilience, patience, and faith.
Her love of equestrian life continues to inform her approach to leadership. The discipline and trust required between horse and rider mirror the same principles she brings to business and community work: balance, respect, and intentionality. Whether guiding a company, hosting a forum, or mentoring the next generation, Celeste leads with the same quiet strength that defines her life on the ranch.
Faith remains the steady compass behind every decision she makes. It is the unseen force that guides her vision, fuels her generosity, and sustains her through challenges. For Celeste, success is not measured in profits or accolades, but in the positive ripples created by purpose-driven action.
A Legacy of Purpose and Possibility
As Napa Valley continues to evolve—embracing new ideas while preserving its storied heritage—Celeste White stands as a bridge between past and future, tradition and transformation. Her life’s work is a testament to the idea that leadership grounded in gratitude can reshape communities and inspire generations.
Through Lux Forum, Horse Rock Olive Oil, her healthcare ventures, and her tireless philanthropy, Celeste continues to prove that innovation and empathy are not opposing forces but partners in progress. Her story invites others to lead with heart, to build with integrity, and to serve with joy.
In every vineyard, boardroom, and classroom she touches, Celeste White reminds those around her that the greatest legacy is not what we build for ourselves, but what we cultivate in others.
