Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

www.melanindouglass.com
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Last Updated: August 25, 2025

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect personal information that you provide to us directly, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address

• Service Information: Details about services requested, appointment preferences, and consultation notes

• Communication Records: Records of our communications with you, including emails, phone calls, and text messages

• Payment Information: Billing address and payment method details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, browser type, device information

• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies to enhance your experience and analyze site usage

• IP Address and Location Data: General location information based on IP address

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

Service Delivery

• Providing requested services and consultations

• Scheduling and managing appointments

• Processing payments and maintaining billing records

• Responding to your inquiries and providing customer support

Communication

• SMS/Text Messaging: Sending appointment reminders, service updates, confirmations, and promotional messages (with your consent)

• Email Communication: Service-related emails, newsletters, and marketing communications

• Phone Communication: Appointment confirmations and service-related calls

Business Operations

• Improving our services and website functionality

• Analyzing usage patterns and customer preferences

• Complying with legal obligations and protecting our rights

• Preventing fraud and ensuring security

3. SMS/Text Messaging Program

Consent and Opt-In

By providing your phone number and consenting to receive text messages, you agree to receive SMS communications from Melanin Douglass, including:

• Appointment reminders and confirmations

• Service updates and notifications

• Customer support messages

• Promotional offers and marketing messages (limited frequency)

Message Frequency and Charges

• Frequency: Message frequency varies based on your service needs and preferences

• Charges: Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan

• Carriers: Our SMS service works with all major U.S. mobile carriers

Opt-Out Rights

You can opt out of SMS communications at any time by:

• Replying "STOP" to any text message

• Contacting us directly at [INSERT PHONE/EMAIL]

• Following the unsubscribe instructions in our messages

You will receive a confirmation message when you opt out.

SMS Data Handling

• Phone Number Storage: Your phone number is securely stored and used only for authorized communications

• Message Records: We may retain records of SMS communications for customer service and compliance purposes

• Third-Party SMS Providers: We use reputable third-party services to deliver SMS messages, and these providers are bound by confidentiality agreements

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Processing payments

• Delivering SMS and email communications

• Website hosting and maintenance

• Analytics and marketing services

All service providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes or government requests

• Protect our rights, property, or safety

• Prevent fraud or illegal activities

• Enforce our terms of service

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, sale, or transfer of our business, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

No Sale of Personal Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest

• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

• Security Monitoring: Regular monitoring for unauthorized access or security breaches

• Staff Training: Regular training on data protection and privacy practices

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services and maintain your account

• Comply with legal obligations

• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

• Meet business and tax requirements

SMS Data: SMS opt-in records and message history are retained for compliance purposes and may be deleted upon request after opt-out.

General Data: Most personal information is retained for [INSERT TIMEFRAME, e.g., "3 years"] after your last interaction with us, unless longer retention is required by law.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Portability

• Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you

• Request information about how your data is processed

Correction and Updates

• Request correction of inaccurate personal information

• Update your contact preferences and information

Deletion

• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and business requirements)

• Opt out of SMS communications at any time

Restrictions

• Request restrictions on how we use your information

• Object to certain types of processing

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:

• Email: [INSERT PRIVACY EMAIL]

• Phone: [INSERT PHONE NUMBER]

• Mail: [INSERT BUSINESS ADDRESS]

We will respond to your request within 30 days.

8. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings

• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns

• Provide personalized content and advertisements

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may limit some website functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete it promptly.

11. International Users

If you are accessing our services from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where privacy laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website

• Sending an email notification to registered users

• Including a notice in our SMS communications (if applicable)

Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Melanin Douglass
Email: om@melanindouglass.com
Phone: 240-903-0939
Address:1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
Website: https://melanindouglass.com/

SMS Support: Reply "HELP" to any text message for assistance, or "STOP" to unsubscribe.

This Privacy Policy is effective as of [INSERT DATE] and governs our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information in connection with our services and SMS communications program.