After hours in parks, movie theaters and clients' homes professional cuddler Samantha Hess is opening a cuddle studio in Portland on Saturday.

Hess, 30, began her cuddling business in 2013. The idea was simple -- provide non-sexual touch to those who otherwise might go without. For $60, Hess traveled to locations of her clients' choice and slipped next to them for 60 minutes.

"Professional cuddling is platonic touch. We offer people a sense of self worth," Hess said. "It's about getting people to feel respected, accepted and worthy for who they are today."

And since that idea was born, she's been busy, Hess said. She was often working 12-hour days. New clients would have to book sessions weeks in advance for a spot next to her.

The brick and mortar location, called Cuddle Up To Me, is meant to provide relief to the one-woman enterprise. Nestled next to an acupuncture clinic on East Burnside, the shop provides four themed rooms for potential clients and a $1 per minute rate. Clients must book a minimum 15-minute session; five hours is the maximum.

For safety reasons, the rooms have cameras, and the sessions are recorded in case of any misbehavior, Hess said. New clients also undergo a consultation before a session.

Hess has also hired some help -- three women who are completing a 40-hour training to become cuddlers.

"The training program goes over what types of positions are appropriate for this service, how to guide sessions, how to get the right instincts about who the right client is for us," Hess said.

The retail location was a product of a long search. Many landlords weren't comfortable with the business model, Hess said.

"Finding the space was a huge challenge," she said. "We were rejected by eight different places. The shop has been a year in the making almost."

However, Hess said she is satisfied with the location of the shop, which will be open Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All of her current clients, except one who suffers from ALS, will visit her in the retail location. Cuddle Up To Me also takes walk-ins.