Terms & Conditions

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

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the services provided by Melanin Douglass ("we," "us," or "our"), including our website at https://melanindouglass.com/ and SMS communications program, you ("you" or "user") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

2. Description of Services

Melanin Douglass provides [INSERT SPECIFIC SERVICES - e.g., business consulting, coaching, professional services, etc.]. Our services may include:

  • In-person and virtual consultations

  • events, public and educational programs

  • Customer support and follow-up services

  • SMS and email communications related to our services

3. SMS/Text Messaging Terms

3.1 SMS Program Description

By providing your mobile phone number and opting in, you consent to receive text messages from Melanin Douglass at 240-903-0939 Message types include:

  • Appointment Confirmations and Reminders

  • Service Updates and Notifications

  • Customer Support Messages

  • Promotional Offers and Marketing Messages (limited frequency)

  • Important Business Announcements

3.2 Consent and Opt-In

  • Participation in our SMS program is voluntary

  • You must provide explicit consent to receive text messages

  • Consent can be provided through website forms, verbal agreement during consultations, or other opt-in methods

  • You confirm that you are the account holder or have authorization to opt in the provided phone number

3.3 Message Frequency

  • Appointment-Related Messages: As needed based on your scheduled services

  • Promotional Messages: Maximum of 2 messages per month

  • Service Updates: As necessary for business communications

  • Message frequency may vary based on your service needs and preferences

3.4 Message and Data Rates

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

  • We are not responsible for charges imposed by your mobile carrier

  • Check with your carrier for details about your messaging plan

3.5 Supported Carriers

Our SMS service is available on major U.S. carriers including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and others. Service may not be available on all carriers.

3.6 Opt-Out Instructions

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time using any of these methods:

  • Text "STOP" to any message from us

  • Text "UNSUBSCRIBE" to any message from us

  • Reply "CANCEL" to any message from us

  • Contact us directly at 240-903-0939 or om@melanindouglass.com

You will receive a confirmation message when you successfully opt out.

3.7 Help and Customer Support

  • Text "HELP" to any message for customer support information

  • Contact us directly:

    • Phone: 240-903-0939

    • Email: om@melanindouglass.com

    • Business Hours:By Appointment Only

4. Website Terms of Use

4.1 Permitted Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes only. You agree not to:

  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations

  • Transmit harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content

  • Interfere with website functionality or security

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems

4.2 Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is our property or that of our licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

4.3 User-Generated Content

If you submit any content to our website or through our services, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, modify, and display such content for business purposes.

5. Service Terms

5.1 Appointments and Scheduling

  • Appointments must be scheduled in advance through approved channels

  • [INSERT CANCELLATION POLICY - e.g., "24-hour cancellation notice required"]

  • No-show fees may apply as outlined in service agreements

5.2 Payment Terms

  • Payment is due [INSERT PAYMENT TERMS - e.g., "at time of service," "within 30 days of invoice"]

  • We accept [INSERT ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS]

  • Late payment fees may apply to overdue accounts

5.3 Service Delivery

  • We will make reasonable efforts to provide services as described

  • Service availability may be limited by circumstances beyond our control

  • We reserve the right to modify or discontinue services with appropriate notice

6. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our services, you also agree to our Privacy Policy.

Key Privacy Points:

  • We collect only necessary personal information

  • Your phone number is used solely for authorized communications

  • We do not sell your personal information to third parties

  • You have rights regarding your personal data as outlined in our Privacy Policy

7. Disclaimers and Limitations

7.1 Service Availability

  • SMS and website services are provided on an "as is" basis

  • We do not guarantee uninterrupted service availability

  • Messages may be delayed or undelivered due to technical issues, carrier problems, or other factors beyond our control

7.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • Our liability is limited to the amount paid for services

  • We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages

  • We do not warrant that our services will meet all your requirements

7.3 Professional Advice Disclaimer

[INSERT IF APPLICABLE - e.g., "Our services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. You should consult appropriate professionals for specific advice regarding your situation."]

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of our services or violation of these Terms.

9. Termination

9.1 Termination by You

  • You may terminate your use of our services at any time

  • SMS opt-out is immediate upon following opt-out procedures

  • Some service commitments may survive termination as agreed

9.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your access to our services if you:

  • Violate these Terms

  • Engage in inappropriate or harmful behavior

  • Fail to meet payment obligations

10. Technical Requirements

10.1 SMS Technical Requirements

  • Compatible mobile device with text messaging capability

  • Active service with a supported carrier

  • Standard messaging plan (charges may apply)

10.2 Website Requirements

  • Internet connection

  • Compatible web browser

  • Cookies enabled for full functionality

11. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to our website. For significant changes, we will provide notice through:

  • Email notification

  • SMS notification (for SMS program participants)

  • Website announcement

Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of [INSERT STATE/JURISDICTION] without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of [INSERT JURISDICTION].

13. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

14. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Melanin Douglass regarding the use of our services.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, 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:

  • Text "HELP" for assistance

  • Text "STOP" to unsubscribe

  • Text "INFO" for business information

Business Hours: [INSERT BUSINESS HOURS]

16. SMS Compliance Statement

Our SMS program complies with applicable laws and regulations, including:

  • Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

  • CAN-SPAM Act requirements

  • Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) guidelines

  • Carrier-specific requirements and best practices

We maintain records of all opt-ins and provide easy opt-out mechanisms as required by law.

These Terms and Conditions are effective as of January 1, 2025 and govern your use of Melanin Douglass services, including our SMS communications program and website.

Last Updated: August 25, 2025