Meet Jessica O’Neill, the Aussie mom making a living by hugging it out as a “cuddle therapist,” pocketing $58,000 annually. Formerly a massage therapist and counselor, Jessica noticed that hugs during sessions had a magical effect—they melted away anxiety and opened up her clients.
Her sessions kick off with meditation, aiming for a “spiritual connection,” followed by a chat about why the client needs a cuddle fix. Surprisingly, her clientele is mostly ordinary folks, with a mix of men and women. Jessica’s husband, Jason, is not just supportive but finds the whole endeavor “beautiful.”
Despite the potential for awkward encounters, Jessica insists her boundaries are respected. The success of her cuddle business boils down to the fact that, in our hyper-connected digital age, people are lonelier than ever. Psychologists agree that physical contact is essential for mental well-being, and Jessica is cashing in on the demand.
Critics may call her eccentric, but Jessica sees it as her life’s calling. In her words, “It’s so much more rewarding than just massage or counseling. I feel like it’s what I was put on this Earth for.” Welcome to the snug world of Hugonomics!
