A WOMAN earns £150,000 a year by cuddling strangers – but she had one major lesson to learn before it became her dream job.
The 42-year-old former healthcare assistant offers a range of services from holding hands, cuddling, gently stroking faces, hair playing and eye gazing.
Petra Milatova is a trained and certified member of Cuddle Professionals International[/caption]
Petra Milatova was already a fan of giving out hugs, having offered them as an alternative to cards one Christmas.
After discovering a Facebook video of a cuddle session, she wondered whether she had stumbled over a career she had never considered.
The experience allows an individual to receive physical contact from a trained professional and remains consensual and a therapeutic experience.
After researching the role and undertaking a course which saw her undergo training in techniques and boundary-setting, Petra was set to stride confidently into her first booking.
Earning around £70 an hour, Petra could earn a salary of £150,000 working standard hours and would fill her time with clients responding to her website.
The professional cuddler has learnt to call individuals before meeting face-to-face, reducing the chances of someone looking for further intimacy that is not within Petra’s remit.
Petra told Manchester Evening News: “I always have a video call with the client explaining what the session will be about.
“If they’re looking for something else, I will send them to an adult site. It’s warm, platonic and nurturing touch only.”
She also described the first session she ever held which involved a gentleman wanting to watch a movie while holding hands with her.
Petra added: “Now I encourage people to stop and breathe and feel the connection with the other person while respecting their boundaries.”
Starting back in 2017, Petra has now relocated to Greater London from Chester and has been looking to find new clients close by.
Petra has revealed she also has a set of guidelines which potential clients must sign to ensure they understand the complete ban on inappropriate touching or kisisng.
She also asks certain questions to ensure the client remains comfortable and the whole experience consists of mutually consensual touch.
The trained professional hopes to provide a safe space by allowing individuals to cry or release their emotions in a way that feels constructive for them.
Her former attendees have ranged from sufferers of abuse, those with mental health conditions or people who simply feel lonely.
Finding the career extremely rewarding, Petra had to learn one huge lesson before enjoying the job as much as she does now.
She now recommends anyone else interested in following her line of work to undertake adequate safety training.
In the early stages of her career, while attending a man in his own home, Petra experienced a client who wanted to go against the code of conduct and kiss her.
Since then, she has undergone further training and understands the value of her own safety while offering professional cuddling.
