Nancy Ragonese is not your typical entrepreneur. She didn’t set out to build a business empire or chase fame. Instead, she focused on something much deeper—helping her community grow while preserving its unique character.
Based in Aiken, South Carolina, Nancy is an advocate for sustainable tourism, small business development, and equestrian culture.
Her journey started on a family-owned farm, where she learned the values of hard work and community. “I grew up surrounded by animals, nature, and people who genuinely cared about each other,” she says. “That shaped how I see the world and how I approach business.”
A Passion for Local Business and Sustainability
Nancy’s love for her hometown inspired her to create Palmetto Pathways, a nonprofit focused on sustainable tourism and small business support. Her goal was to help Aiken thrive while keeping its charm intact.
“I saw so much potential here,” she explains. “Aiken has history, natural beauty, and a strong equestrian culture. But I wanted to make sure we were growing in a way that benefited everyone, not just big investors.”
Palmetto Pathways has led several successful projects, including the Harvest to Market Festival, an event that connects local farmers, artisans, and small businesses with the community. The nonprofit also launched Ride Aiken, a program designed to promote equestrian tourism in a responsible, sustainable way.
“Our community has a deep connection to horses,” Nancy says. “I wanted to highlight that in a way that supports local businesses, brings in visitors, and keeps the tradition alive.”
Finding Balance in Business and Life
Nancy’s approach to work is not about chasing rapid expansion or making quick profits. She believes in slow, meaningful growth—a philosophy not everyone agrees with.
“The world tells us to scale fast, but I’ve learned that real success comes from building deep roots,” she says. “You don’t have to rush to be successful. You just have to stay true to what matters.”
This mindset has shaped how she runs her nonprofit and how she interacts with the people around her. She spends much of her time mentoring local entrepreneurs, organizing events, and finding new ways to support small businesses.
She’s also careful with how she spends her own time. “I used to say yes to everything,” she admits. “But now, I focus on what truly moves the needle. If it doesn’t align with my values or help my community, I step back.”
Learning from Challenges
Like any entrepreneur, Nancy has faced obstacles along the way. One of her biggest challenges was launching an initiative that didn’t gain traction because she hadn’t fully understood her audience’s needs.
“I assumed I knew what people wanted,” she recalls. “But I didn’t take the time to listen first. That was a humbling experience, but it taught me an important lesson—always start by listening.”
That lesson has become a guiding principle for her work. Whether she’s developing a new program, supporting a local business, or helping shape Aiken’s future, she starts by talking to the people affected.
“Assumptions won’t get you far,” she says. “Real conversations with real people will.”
The Power of Community
Nancy believes that businesses and communities grow best when they grow together. She encourages entrepreneurs to think beyond profit and focus on making a positive impact.
“Authenticity and generosity go a long way,” she says. “The more you give—without expecting immediate returns—the more opportunities naturally come your way.”
She sees this principle play out every day, whether it’s a local artist finding new customers through an event, a small business owner getting support from their neighbors, or a new resident discovering Aiken’s charm.
“It’s about connection,” she says. “When you invest in the people around you, everything else falls into place.”
Looking Ahead
Nancy continues to push for thoughtful, sustainable growth in Aiken. She’s excited about the future and hopes to see more businesses embrace a purpose-driven approach.
“We don’t have to choose between success and sustainability,” she says. “We can have both. We just have to be intentional about how we get there.”
For Nancy, the goal isn’t just about business—it’s about building a better community, one thoughtful step at a time.
