Woman opens 'cuddle shop' in Oregon, gets 10,000 customers in first week
A woman has opened a professional cuddling shop in Portland, Oregon, where customers pay $60 dollars for 60 minutes worth of cuddling, spooning, or general platonic human contact, with interest so high that she has received 10,000 requests in a week.
“This business has taken off,” professional cuddler
Samantha Hess told Fox 12. The hour-long sessions have garnered
serious interest, and aren’t just restricted to cuddling –
hand-holding, spooning and hair stroking also come as part of the
deal.
“I've gotten as many as 10,000 emails in a week,” Hess
told the channel.
All contact remains strictly platonic and sessions are recorded
to make sure there can be no grounded or groundless accusations
of inappropriate behavior.
Customers are encouraged to wear pyjamas and discussions during
the sessions are strictly optional.
Hess describes the sessions as providing “the level of human
contact that we want or need in order to be our optimal
selves.”
“I was at a place where I thought paying someone to hug me and
not have ulterior motives sounded like a great idea,” she
said. “I decided why can't this be a thing that we can easily
and safely reach for?”
Testimonials on the Cuddle Up To Me website state that people had
no idea that they had previously been missing it.
Hess began providing cuddles at the homes of different clients
before setting up a permanent studio for the practice. The studio
has four themed rooms and three other members of staff since
opening.
“After meeting Samantha Hess, I feel so much better,” said
Steve from Vancouver.
“Our cuddle time gave me a different outlook on life. I had
no idea what I was missing. I am a big fan now and look forward
to our next session. She is encouraging, kind and sincere.”