The benefits of human touch are well documented. But we find ourselves increasingly isolated.
That in turn has led to a professional touch industry in the U.S., Australia and Europe, according to The Guardian.
Now, the industry has made its way to Jacksonville with the opening of Cozy Up Studio, which is a non-sexual, platonic professional cuddling establishment run by a mother and daughter team.
Joni and Jade Eitzmann talked about their venture Friday on First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross.
“So many people are missing loved ones, or maybe you're behind a computer for 12 hours a day and don't have a lot of time to form other relationships,” said Joni Eitzmann.
Related: Listen to the full interview with Joni and Jade Eitzmann
The goal is simple: to help people feel happier through the human need to be embraced and heard.
Jade admits that first-time visits can be awkward and a little tense because people aren’t quite sure what to expect. But she said after the sessions, that changes, with clints telling her, "'Oh, I feel so much better' – you know, because they’ve got those chemicals going on in their brain now that’s going to help with their productivity and their self esteem.”
That’s because a friendly touch can lead to serotonin's being released in the brain, which contributes to the feeling of wellbeing and happiness, according to Medical News Today.
“Essentially we take a little bit of time to figure out how our customer would like to be cuddled,” said Jade, adding, “There’s no right or wrong way to cuddle.” Jade says it just comes naturally after that initial strange feeling of cuddling with a stranger.
Cozy Up Studio describes its services as follows:
- First Time Visit: 30 min | $25 - Let's get to know each other followed by 15 minutes of cuddle time.
- 30 Minutes - 30 min | $40 - Take a break and enjoy a quick cuddle or a relaxing mid-day nap.
- 45 Minutes | $55 - Unwind a little while.
- 1 Hour | $70 - Enjoy an hour to refocus through cuddles.
- 90 Minutes | $110 - Get your Cuddle Cup ready to overflow!
- 2 hr | $140 - Snuggle in while watching a movie or taking a long nap if you would like.
- 3 Hours | $200 - Cuddle like you mean it!
Booking an appointment is done online.
The Eitzmanns said they are there to cuddle and listen, but not judge or give professional advice. They also stress their service is not a substitute for professional mental health services.
“It’s kind of a strange concept to understand. But once you experience it, you’re like, ‘yeah, I do feel a huge difference.’ So I think a part of it is just experiencing it,” said Jade.
Cozy Up Studio is at 9310 Old Kings Road S., Ste. 701, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
