Celeste White, St. Helena: A Visionary Leader Shaping Napa Valley

In the heart of Napa Valley, where vineyards, olive groves, and equestrian trails weave together the region’s cultural fabric, Celeste White of St. Helena stands out as a visionary leader whose life and work bridge entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and civic engagement. Her story is not just one of personal success but of service, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to community.


A Life Rooted in Napa Valley Tradition

St. Helena is known for its natural beauty, agricultural richness, and tight-knit community spirit. It is here that Celeste White has built her family’s life and launched ventures that reflect both tradition and forward-thinking innovation. Her family ranch, located in the rolling hills of Napa Valley, is home not only to her love of equestrian life but also to Horse Rock Olive Oil, her estate-grown olive oil brand.

As CEO, White has positioned Horse Rock Olive Oil as more than a product—it is a symbol of Napa Valley’s agricultural excellence and her family’s stewardship of the land. The brand represents authenticity, sustainability, and the heritage of farming that has long defined St. Helena. Each bottle carries with it the values of craftsmanship and care that White holds central to her vision of business.


Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovation

Celeste White’s impact extends beyond olive oil production. As the co-founder of Stitches Medical and WearTootles.com, she has also been at the forefront of healthcare innovation. These ventures underscore her belief that entrepreneurship should be guided by compassion and purpose, offering products and services that address real needs in people’s lives.

Through these diverse endeavors, White demonstrates how business can be a force for good—anchored not only in profit but in making a difference. Her ventures illustrate the power of combining traditional values with modern innovation, a theme that resonates throughout St. Helena’s evolving identity.


Lux Forum: Cultivating Gratitude and Leadership

At the center of Celeste White’s leadership is her role as President and Chair of Lux Forum, a thought-leadership organization she founded. Lux Forum brings together innovators, thinkers, and community leaders to engage in meaningful reflection and dialogue. The events she curates focus on gratitude, renewal, and the pursuit of social impact.

For White, leadership is not just about business success but about cultivating spaces where people can reconnect with their values and discover new ways to contribute to society. Lux Forum reflects her philosophy that gratitude and reflection are essential practices for sustainable leadership—principles she lives out daily in her own work and service.


Dedication to Education and Mentorship

Celeste White’s commitment to education has deep roots in her alma mater, Westmont College, where she now serves as a Trustee. In this role, she helps guide the institution’s mission of shaping future leaders through a foundation of academic excellence and faith.

Her passion for mentorship extends to youth organizations, particularly the U.S. Pony Club, where she has supported young equestrians in developing not only riding skills but also discipline, confidence, and leadership. For White, mentorship is about more than passing on knowledge—it is about nurturing resilience, integrity, and a sense of purpose in the next generation.


Philanthropy and Community Service in St. Helena

St. Helena is more than just a place of residence for Celeste White; it is the community she has dedicated her life to serving. Alongside her husband, Dr. Robert White, she has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofits and civic organizations. Her work includes service with The Salvation Army, Hospice, and Ag 4 Youth, causes that reflect her compassion and her faith-driven commitment to helping others.

In recognition of their impact, Celeste and Robert White received The Salvation Army’s Nehemiah Award, honoring their extraordinary contributions to community building. This award highlights the Whites’ ongoing dedication to strengthening Napa Valley through both philanthropy and leadership.


Faith, Family, and Equestrian Life

At the heart of White’s story is her family. She and Robert White have built a life in St. Helena that balances innovation and tradition, public service and personal joy. Their ranch is not only a home but also a reflection of their values—where agriculture, equestrian pursuits, and family life come together.

Faith plays an integral role in shaping White’s leadership. She views her entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors as an extension of her spiritual calling to serve others. Gratitude, reflection, and stewardship are not abstract concepts for her—they are practices that guide her daily decisions and long-term vision.


Recognition and Influence Beyond Napa Valley

While deeply rooted in St. Helena, Celeste White’s influence extends far beyond Napa Valley. She has been featured in numerous publications and recognized as a thought leader in wellness, innovation, and community engagement. Articles in outlets such as The Tidewater News, Wire UK, and Here is New York have highlighted her as a trailblazer redefining what it means to be a leader in today’s world.

Her growing profile as a speaker and connector continues to amplify her voice on issues that matter—from wellness and gratitude to community resilience and purposeful entrepreneurship.


A Legacy of Purpose

Celeste White’s life and work offer a blueprint for integrated leadership—where entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and personal passion are woven into a single narrative of purpose. Her story is inseparable from St. Helena, a place that has shaped her identity and continues to be the setting for her family’s legacy of service.

Through Lux Forum, Horse Rock Olive Oil, her healthcare ventures, and her nonprofit work, White demonstrates that true leadership is measured not just in accomplishments but in the lives one touches. Her journey is a testament to the power of gratitude, innovation, and community spirit—values that will continue to shape St. Helena and inspire beyond its borders.

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