Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Weissman.
Hi Jessie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our story dates all the way back to 2013 when my husband Alex customized a controller for the very first time! Alex and I have been together for 11 years this October, so I was lucky enough to be around for the origin story. The story goes that he looked at his plain white video game controller and thought to himself: “This doesn’t represent ME.”
He looked around his room (which was covered in Captain America posters and action figures) and realized he could create a controller that was personalized to him. He wanted his controller to stand for more than just playing games. It stood for his love of all geek culture. It also stood for truth, justice, and the American way…cause ya know…Captain America.
He covered his controller in Captain America comic book pages, and on that day, Comic Controllers was born.
He believed that everyone deserves a controller that represents them, and so he continued to create personalized controllers for video game and comic book lovers around the world! What started as an online shop has now turned into a full retail store in Downtown Clermont that features Alex’s controllers and much much more!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been an interesting road to say the least! We have always dreamed of owning our own store, it has been something we’ve talked about since we were teenagers! We’ve always wanted to make a space for kids and teens to hang out and feel safe and make friends. When we were teenagers the only place to hang out was the movie theatre! In 2020 when I was laid off from my job during the pandemic, we decided to take the leap and open our first space in a market. After a year of being in the market, we were able to expand and open up our full dream store. We were building out the new store and having our first child all in the same month! It was two of the biggest blessings, and very overwhelming! It certainly has not been easy, and there has been a lot of hustling and a lot of late nights. But it has been so rewarding to watch the community love the space we created.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Each controller in our store is designed and painted by Alex, who has perfected his craft over the last 10 years of customizing controllers. We accept custom orders in-store and online, so if you want to be able to tell your controller apart from the rest of your family’s, we got you covered! Our controller designs are inspired by some of your favorite characters, games, movies, and sometimes even sports teams! We’re very proud of the quality of Alex’s work, the customization opportunities we can offer, and the experience you have in our shop. Everyone games differently, and we believe the controller should represent the gamer!
The other merchandise in our store also features many other local artists! We have art prints, pins, stickers, coasters, and candles, all locally made by us or by other local artists!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that Downtown Clermont hosts events that allow the small businesses to thrive! We have Sunday farmers markets, monthly food truck nights, wine walks, and seasonal festivals. It give the community something to show up for and helps the businesses downtown get exposure and foot traffic! If only more people knew what a gem Downtown Clermont was! We are still viewed as a small town, but the truth is that the small businesses on our block are so tourist worthy! I hope more people from Orlando and beyond venture over to Downtown Clermont to appreciate the unique shops and eateries we have!
Contact Info:
- Website: comiccontrollers.com
- Instagram: @comiccontrollers @popculturesodashoppe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComicControllers
Image Credits
Brandon Atwell
