Samantha Hess

Samantha Hess
Born Samantha Hess
1983 (age 32–33)
Other names The Cuddler, Peanut, Monkey, and Sammy Samwiches
Occupation Professional Cuddler/Author
Height 5 ft (1.5 m)
Weight 115 lb (52 kg)[1]
Website cuddleuptome.com

Samantha Hess is a professional cuddler, an author, and the creator of the Certified Cuddlers Certification Program.[2]

Early life and education

Hess was born and raised in Sacramento, California. Her father is a postal carrier. Her mother is a receptionist. Hess attended California State University-Fullerton before she decided to drop out. In 2009, she received her Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) Degree in Fitness Technology from Portland Community College.

Career

She decided to have such a job after watching a video of two men offering hugs for money. Later on, she learned of a woman in New York City who ran an identical business and was inspired to pursue it as a career.[3] Prior to that event, she worked as a personal trainer.[4] During her career she was interviewed by many broadcast and print media outlets[5] including KOBI,[6] The Daily News[7] KATU[8] KHOU,[9] KCTV[10] and many others. In January 2014 she was interviewed by Biz Journal where she shared her plans for Cuddle Up to Me with Portland Business Journal Editor Rob Smith. She said she plans to model after ZoomCare.[11] Her clients are mostly people with disabilities or who suffer from traumatic stress.[12]

America's Got Talent

Audition

In May 2015, Hess appeared as a 10th season contestant for NBC's America's Got Talent. Her audition consisted of cuddling Nick Cannon with techniques "The Cleopatra," "The Claw," and "Mother of Pearl." Howard Stern buzzed the act. After the audition, the four judges formed a pile on top of Nick on the couch. Although Howard voted "No," Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel all voted "Yes," sending her to the Judge Cuts Week round.

Judge Cuts Week

In July 2015, during Judge Cuts Week 1, her audition consisted of cuddling special guest judge Neil Patrick Harris with techniques "The Fortune Cookie," "The Sidewinder," and "The Romeo." Howard, Heidi, Mel B, and Howie all buzzed the act, automatically eliminating her from the competition. She was the first contestant in season ten to receive all X's during Judge Cuts Week.

Personal life

She currently resides in Portland, Oregon.

References

  1. ↑ "Best of Portland 2013: Best Buys". Willamette Week. July 24, 2013. Archived from the original on August 28, 2013. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  2. ↑ Jane Wells (November 25, 2013). "Feeling blue? Hire a professional cuddler". CNBC. Archived from the original on November 26, 2013. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  3. ↑ Shane Dixon Kavanaugh. "Cuddling professional Samantha Hess of SE Portland fills the need for love -- nonsexually". The Oregonian. OregonLive.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013.
  4. ↑ Maggie Zhang (July 14, 2014). "Meet The Woman Who Cuddles With Strangers For $60 An Hour". Business Insider. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Professional cuddler: 'I literally could cuddle 24 hours a day'". KPTV. December 12, 2013. Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Professional cuddling service opens in Portland". KOBI. November 17, 2014. Archived from the original on December 7, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  7. ↑ Irving Dejohn (January 16, 2014). "Portland's professional cuddler Samantha Hess expanding business and adding employees". Daily News. Archived from the original on January 23, 2014. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  8. ↑ Ian Parker (January 15, 2014). "Woman to expand Portland cuddle business, hire staff". KATU. Archived from the original on February 16, 2014. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  9. ↑ Reggie Aqui (November 13, 2013). "Portland woman is professional cuddler". KGW. KHOU. Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  10. ↑ Ian Forett (December 12, 2013). "Professional cuddler: 'I literally could cuddle 24 hours a day'". KCTV. Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  11. ↑ Rob Smith (January 10, 2014). "Professional cuddler plans Portland snuggle shop, will hire other cuddlers". Portland Business Journal. Archived from the original on January 23, 2014. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  12. ↑ Caroline Moss (November 23, 2014). "Woman Opens A Professional Cuddle Store And Charges $60 An Hour To Snuggle". Business Insider. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
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