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Woman opens professional cuddling shop – gets 10,000 customers in first week

Hair strokes, hand-holding, caressing and conversation is also available

Christopher Hooton
Wednesday 19 November 2014 13:13 GMT
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All cuddle sessions are recorded for safety
All cuddle sessions are recorded for safety (Fox12)

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Professional cuddler Samantha Hess has opened a pro cuddling shop, where for $60 customers can get an hour's worth of spooning and "the level of human contact that we want or need in order to be our optimal selves."

Located in Portland, Oregon, the shop is called Cuddle Up To Me and is already very busy.

"This business has taken off," Hess told Fox 12. "I've gotten as many as 10,000 emails in a week."

Hour-long sessions cost $60 dollars and include hair strokes, hand-holding and a plethora of different cuddle positions.

Hess says the business is in no way adult-orientated, and that she got the idea for it during a low point in her life.

Samantha Hess previously cuddled at customers' houses
Samantha Hess previously cuddled at customers' houses

Where the magic happens
Where the magic happens (Cuddle Up To Me)

Hand-holding is included
Hand-holding is included

"I was at a place where I thought paying someone to hug me and not have ulterior motives sounded like a great idea," she added. "I decided why can't this be a thing that we can easily and safely reach for?"

Sessions are taped to ensure the safety of both cuddler and cuddlee.

"After meeting Samantha Hess, I feel so much better," said Steve from Vancouver in a testiominal on the Cuddle Up To Me website.

"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."

The shop is open Monday to Saturday. Talking is optional and pyjamas are encouraged.

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