BIZNOTE: First of its kind in WA, Cuddle Club opens in West Seattle

Sometimes, new-business announcements are greeted with “oh, not ANOTHER …” Can’t say that this time; this new business is the first of its kind. Longtime local community advocate Lashanna Williams – most recently featured here for a volunteer project that fed hundreds last fall – has just opened Cuddle Club in Morgan Junction. Here’s her official announcement:

Today, Washington’s first professional cuddling establishment opened its doors in West Seattle. Cuddle Club’s free membership allows members to schedule cuddle sessions in the safe, secure, and beautifully designed comfort of the new club at Fauntleroy Square.

Cuddle Club is about creating a welcoming space for members to be themselves. Non­sexual, nurturing touch is a basic human need. Everyone needs to be held, and all of us benefit from more relaxing, meaningful human contact. Cuddle Club’s mission is to improve lives in small ways that matter, and in lieu of a membership fee, members are asked to support that mission with donations of time, food, or other goods to local organizations.

Benefits of cuddling can include reduced stress and anxiety; improved social skills, self-esteem, and sleep; lower blood pressure and heart rate; reduced drug cravings and risk of heart disease; and improved immune system and recovery time.

Cuddle Club is operated by Lashanna Williams, a graduate of the University of Michigan, a Certified Member of Cuddle Professionals International, and an active volunteer coordinator in the South Park and West Seattle neighborhoods.

You can find out more here.

19 Replies to "BIZNOTE: First of its kind in WA, Cuddle Club opens in West Seattle"

  • cj May 12, 2015 (10:28 pm)

    So can we assume that patrons of this club do not have a main squeeze that might not be thrilled about this? LOL

  • evergreen May 12, 2015 (10:53 pm)

    Interesting. On par with those laughter clubs that have spread in India. I hope it helps those who seek out this kind of thing.

  • Benji May 13, 2015 (12:40 am)

    Are there puppies? If so, I’m in!

  • wsBorn&Bred May 13, 2015 (5:35 am)

    This makes my heart happy. :)

  • Lashanna May 13, 2015 (6:03 am)

    Benji- there is!! Whitman is the Cuddle Club pup, he’s a 5 month old English Mastiff!

  • kate May 13, 2015 (6:37 am)

    Unique idea! Seems like something I’d see on a Portlandia episode, too. But that’s why I moved to the Northwest- lots of people here are thinking outside of the box.

  • KK50 May 13, 2015 (7:24 am)

    I have had the good fortune to meet Lashanna. She is fierce in her commitment to building and sustaining healthy communities. She is rooted in kindness, acceptance and above all , the drive and determination to make the world a better place. Happy cuddles !

  • Lee May 13, 2015 (8:57 am)

    I second KK50 on Lashanna’s description. I’ve known her for years. Best of luck and congratulations Lashanna!

  • Mary May 13, 2015 (9:44 am)

    You won’t find a bigger heart or a better sense of humor anywhere. Lashanna’s been a community treasure for years- you’ll be in good hands. You know, literally.

  • Sue May 13, 2015 (9:56 am)

    I know someone who went to Cuddle Parties (a bit different than the Cuddle Club, but similar concept) and found it immensely helpful.

  • lg May 13, 2015 (10:14 am)

    Lashanna is a community treasure!!–we are lucky to have her here to work her healing magic. I wish the Cuddle Club and Lashanna much success!

  • Madrone May 13, 2015 (11:14 am)

    Yep! And here I was about to start my own private practice. Congratulations!

  • good one May 13, 2015 (4:06 pm)

    Yup, only $90 bucks an hour, seriously? Think I’ll get any extra luvin I need at the dog park.

  • Chris May 13, 2015 (4:28 pm)

    This may be obvious but still wondering do you hug a professional hugger or some other patron that happens to be there and wants to hug?

  • Morgan resident May 13, 2015 (5:12 pm)

    How does this work exactly? The website doesn’t explain what a cuddle session entails. Lashanna, does someone pay to cuddle with you for a period of time, like they would any other therapy?

  • Lashanna May 13, 2015 (7:15 pm)

    Hi! Thank you so much for the kind words. This is an amazing community that I am thankful to be a part of. I am very excited about the future of the Cuddle Club!

    Once a person completes the membership form, I will call them with in a day and schedule a 15 minute in person meeting. After those two items are completed and membership is approved- members can schedule a cuddle session. When members come and are cuddled by myself and/or Whitman, the CC English Mastiff, if they would like. Sessions are for individuals and/or couples.

    I will be having an open house shortly- I’d love for people to be able to come sit in the space. It’s…. Amazing.
    Thank you again!

  • westseattledood May 13, 2015 (8:59 pm)

    Dog snuggles are amazing! It is SO true. And another thing which is amazing is what some people will pay for. Truly amazing.

    I always let kids and admiring adults cuddle my dog because he’s a Disney dog and a trained therapy dog and it’s good for people. My dog’s super snuggly, really cute, the King of Cuddly Pups and he truly loves to be pawed by strangers. All for free. Without appointment.

    I know of other dog owners who take their dogs to Westcrest and love to share the dog love but they prefer to do it for free.

    People, there *are* alternatives. Think clearly. But if it’s the spooning with a stranger you seek…that would be the license for which Ms. Lashanna holds.

  • Ron May 13, 2015 (11:55 pm)

    This is so weird.

  • KK50 May 14, 2015 (3:22 pm)

    Violence is weird. Car thefts, bike thefts, stabbings are weird. the big shell oil rig pulling into the Port is considered weird by some, lots and lots of weird things around here! Cuddles and hugs just seem, so, well… Not so wierd. New and different, I will give it that.

Sorry, comment time is over.