Our Story
A candle bar like no other — committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our guest chandlers and our foster kittens alike.
How It All Started
It started with a simple question: "What do you want to do?"
Kristine Perry's answer was instinctive: "I want to make candles." A week later, while passing a vacant shop en route to dinner, she envisioned a candle bar — and within thirty minutes over that same dinner, the concept crystallized: candles and kittens.
Candle-making interest took hold during the 2020 lockdown. Initial attempts revealed just how complex it really is — fragrance load ratios, over-wicking disasters, cold throw that fell flat despite looking perfect. What seems straightforward is anything but. Through months of research and burn-testing, Kristine mastered candle chemistry and developed a simplified methodology that lets anyone — our "chandlers" — create a beautiful, professional-quality candle in a single session.
The result? A place where creativity meets compassion, and where every visit supports something bigger than a candle.
Why Kittens?
"Overcrowded rescues and shelters break my heart. There is nothing sadder than kittens in cages."
Kristine knew she couldn't take every kitten home — but she could give them something better than a cage. Wicks & Whiskers dedicates space in every location to foster kittens, providing a home-like setting where they can play, socialize, and charm their way into visitors' hearts (and forever homes).
The concept works beautifully: guests get an unforgettable experience, kittens get exposure to potential adopters in a loving environment, and the rescue partners get help with overwhelmed foster networks. By dedicating shop space to fosters, wicks & whiskers enriches kitten socialization through daily visitor interaction — which is way better than a cage at a pet store.
With dozens of successful adoptions and counting, your visit makes a real difference. Every kitten that finds a home opens a spot for another rescue in need.
Our Rescue Partner
Killer Kitties Rescue
Non-profit rescue based in Oakboro, NC (Stanly County)
Every kitten at Wicks & Whiskers is a foster from Killer Kitties Rescue. All kittens receive full medical exams, spaying/neutering, and vaccinations. Adoptions are facilitated entirely by the rescue — they approve applications and coordinate the adoption process. We do not charge our partner rescue and do not take any portion of the adoption fee.
10% of all pre-made candle sales are donated directly to the rescue.
Ways to Support (Even Without Adopting)
Book More Kitten Experiences
Your fee helps with klubhouse upkeep, food, and litter for our fosters. We do not charge our partner rescue.
Buy a Pre-Made Candle
10% of proceeds from all pre-made candle sales are donated to our rescue partner. We also carry candle care tools, rechargeable lighters, and branded merchandise.
Donate In-Store
Scan the QR code in the Kitten Klubhouse to make monetary donations directly to Killer Kitties Rescue.
In-Kind Donations
We accept unopened kitten food, litter, supplies, and toys. What we are not able to use will be donated to Killer Kitties Rescue.
Our Partners
Come See for Yourself
The best way to understand Wicks & Whiskers is to experience it.
Book Your Experience