The Fun Sisters story originated when Patsy Skiba, a Northwest Flight Attendant purchased faux Rolex watches, Burberry scarves and Gucci bags from street vendors during New York layovers. Back in Minneapolis, people would ask, “Where did you get those?” Soon, she and her sister Mary Rolbiecki were purchasing items for friends who wanted the fun stuff under the name “Fabulous Fakes.”

Unbeknownst to Patsy & Mary, the U.S. Customs agents were cracking down on these knock-off goods sold openly in New York and many home parties. While those who buy counterfeit merchandise can’t be prosecuted, those who sell it can. The sisters were convicted of transporting counterfeit merchandise and sentenced 300 hours of community service plus three years of probation and fined $11,000. The custom agent, who brought the case against the sisters, came to like the sisters and dubbed them “the fun sisters.” After paying their debt to society and not to be distraught due to their misfortune, the sisters continued to pursue their love of selling quality purses, but this time with known legal merchandise and started a partnership under the name “The Fun Sisters”.

They only had sales a few times a year, when Patsy’s home was converted into a store. With the business booming (and taking its toll on Skiba’s living room), they opened a store at 58th and Nicollet in south Minneapolis and expanded from a few sales a year to be open every month for four consecutive days to accommodate their flying schedules. When the store was relocated to 43rd and Nicollet, it was decided to further expand to the current five days a month. Mary Rolbiecki (the master traveler) bowed out, because she could not commit to the additional time required to operate a real store.

The store is now operated by Patsy and her daughters, Lindsay and Ashley. Daryl, Patsy’s husband is also an honorary fun sister. The Fun Sisters has expanded over ther past ten years to 6 locations; 3 stores in the Metro Area, Minneapolis, Stillwater and St Paul and 3 stores in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes and Walker.

Mary Rolbiecki is doing well and is still flying for the New  Delta and lives wherever the winds take her.

The Fun Sisters Goal:

Provide quality merchandise for All Girls ages 4-94 in a fun environment at reasonable prices.

Where it’s not just shopping, it’s an event.