Professional cuddling studio opens in Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A mother and daughter in Jacksonville are getting paid to cuddle with strangers.

Joni Eitzmann opened "Cozy Up," a professional cuddling studio located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Eitzmann said the cuddling is platonic.

She said she received some pushback from the City of Jacksonville when she introduced her business concept.

"I had a lot of explaining to do," Eitzmann said. "They know all about us. We're not hiding in any way."

Cuddle sessions cost as little as $25 and up to $200 for three hours.

Eitzmann said she and her daughter also plan to hold cuddle parties every month.

A 2018 Cigna study found that nearly half of Americans sometimes or always feel alone.

Eitzmann said she wants to help people feel happier and loved.

"It really boosts their mood," Eitzmann said. "I love to see when people are leaving how happy they are."

Cox Media Group