Echologue: The Story of Jill Ragan Scully – Crafting Beauty and Belonging in Hastings
Hastings, Minnesota, is filled with stories—stories of resilience, creativity, and community. And at the heart of one of those stories is Jill Ragan Scully, a visionary entrepreneur who turned personal frustration into a passion for making interior design more accessible, more personalized, and more joyful for her clients. As the proud owner of Impressive Windows & Interiors and Miss Daisy’s Mercantile, Jill has spent the past 20 years transforming homes, businesses, and even mindsets—all while making Hastings feel even more like home.
The Spark That Lit the Way
In the early 2000s, Jill and her husband built their first home—a process that should have been exciting but instead left them feeling lost and overwhelmed. The sheer complexity of home design, the lack of accessible options, and the maze of decision-making sparked something in Jill. Armed with a hand-me-down computer from her mom, she dove into research and, by 2005, was taking online classes in interior design. What started as a way to get samples for her coursework quickly blossomed into a full-fledged business.
From day one, her mission was clear: to make the design process easier, more intuitive, and genuinely enjoyable for her clients.
Building a Business in a Housing Recession
Jill’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t without hurdles. She launched her business during a housing market downturn, making it difficult to find clients. But her first big break came when someone asked if she could sew draperies.
Her response? A resounding YES.
With her $100 Sam’s Club sewing machine and her home-grown sewing skills, she delivered. That moment led to more opportunities, and soon she was networking with the Hastings Chamber of Commerce and local women’s business groups—connections that proved to be vital stepping stones to success.
Jill started her small business from the comfort of her home and has experienced steady growth throughout her remarkable 20 years in operation. Her dedication and hard work have contributed to the gradual expansion of her company, allowing it to flourish in an ever-changing market.
The Evolution of a Brand
Like any great story, Jill’s brand has evolved over time. What began as Organized by Jill in 2005 became Organized by Jill Interior Design in 2007 before settling into the name we know today—Impressive Windows & Interiors. The shift wasn’t just about branding; it was about creating a name that could grow beyond her, ensuring longevity for the business she built from the ground up.
Jill's work is deeply personal. Her design/build projects often span months or years, making her team trusted friends, not just designers.
A Day in the Life of Jill Ragan Scully
Running two businesses means no two days are ever the same. From responding to hundreds of emails to designing CAD drawings, coordinating with subcontractors, and crafting digital moodboards, Jill’s schedule is a whirlwind of creativity and logistics. And let’s not forget the constant pursuit of education—she and her team take continuing education courses every month to stay at the top of their field.
But beyond the projects and the planning, Jill’s work is deeply personal. Her design/build projects often last months, sometimes years, meaning she and her team become more than just designers—they become trusted friends. By the end of a project, clients aren’t just clients anymore. They’re family.
Running two businesses means each day is unique. From emails to CAD designs, coordinating subcontractors, and creating moodboards, Jill’s schedule is a blend of creativity and logistics.
The Personality of a Brand
If Impressive Windows & Interiors were a person, Jill describes it as "calm, collected, and colorful—with a little wild side now and then." And that couldn’t be more fitting.
Giving Back to Hastings
Jill doesn’t just work in Hastings—she’s deeply invested in it. Whether it’s through financial contributions or volunteering time, she makes it a priority to support local organizations. And while she prefers to keep her acts of kindness quiet, there’s no doubt that Hastings is better for them.
Jill’s workshops proudly showcase a delightful variety of crafts and the perfect events designed to create long-lasting memories with family, friends, and co-workers alike. Each session offers a unique opportunity to engage in creativity while strengthening bonds and fostering connections.
Celebrating 20 Years of Success in 2025
As Impressive Windows & Interiors approaches its 20th anniversary in April 2025, Jill reflects on the journey that has brought her here. Twenty years of design, learning, and community. Twenty years of creating spaces that aren’t just beautiful, but meaningful.
Jill’s Message to Hastings
If there’s one thing Jill wants people to take away from her story, it’s this:
Be honest. Be yourself. Be humble. Be helpful. Everything else will take care of itself.
Why Hastings Feels Like Home
Jill vividly remembers the moment Hastings truly felt like home. Over a decade ago, while walking along Sibley Street, she ran errands with a smile stretched across her face, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. That feeling of belonging hasn’t changed—it has only grown stronger.
Hastings isn’t just where Jill built her business. It’s where she built a life. A life of creativity, of connection, and of community.
Here’s to 20 years—and many more to come.
