A Queensland woman is making a whopping $150 per hour simply by hugging people.
Missy Robinson, 43, from the Gold Coast, has turned the need for hugs and affection into a lucrative business and styles herself as a professional cuddler.
“It’s totally non-sexual,” Ms Robinson told news.com.au’s I’ve Got News For You podcast host, Andrew Bucklow.
“There’s actually scientists that have done some studies that’s proven that a 20 second hug has such a massive impact. I guess you could say your body reacts very intensely to a 20 second hug rather than just to like a two or three second hug.”
Ms Robinson used to work in the mental health sector and was blown away when she realised that cuddle therapy was a real — albeit unusual — way to help people.
“When I realised … it was actually a legitimate form of therapy, I was like, ‘this is incredible’,” Ms Robinson continued.
“I need to get involved in this. It obviously aligns in well with my other mental health work.
“The whole concept of cuddle therapy is talk, touch, therapy.”
Hugs can stimulate dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, according to experts.
And there’s a trick to making hugs feel nice; “The secret to a good hug is hold on tight and hold on for long,” she explained.
Although she assured listeners that the role was not sexual, Ms Robinson did quip: “But we actually operate under a book called The Cuddle Sutra, which has 99 different cuddle positions available on the couch, and in bed that you can try.”
She also offers overnight cuddle services which can cost as much as $2000 but in the past potential customers have mistaken this to mean she offers sexual services.
One time, a man rang her over the phone and started referring to her as mummy — and she didn’t end up taking him on as a client, she recalled with a laugh
Ms Robinson has a number of clients from all walks of life but they have one thing in common — they are craving human connection.
“I have a real mix of clients,” she said.
“I have a gentleman who I see on a regular basis who is under the NDIS scheme with disabilities.
“I have a couple of older clients who are veterans (where) their partners have passed on. So they obviously live alone and have a very quiet lonely life.
“I have a number of female clients as well. So it really it’s a real mixture.
For more latest Economy News Click Here