PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: 1/09/25

1. INTRODUCTION

Empire Kitchen ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website, services, and programs.

This policy applies to empire.kitchen and all related Empire Kitchen services.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

  • Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, billing address

  • Profile Information: Family size, children's ages, dietary preferences, goals

  • Payment Information: Credit card details, billing information (processed by secure third parties)

  • Communication Data: Messages, emails, support requests, community posts

  • Assessment Data: Responses to family systems assessments and surveys

  • Program Data: Progress tracking, completion status, notes and reflections

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

  • Website Usage: Pages visited, time spent, clicks, navigation patterns

  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system

  • Cookies and Tracking: Session data, preferences, analytics information

  • Email Data: Open rates, click-through rates, engagement metrics

2.3 Information from Third Parties

  • Payment Processors: Transaction confirmations and payment status

  • Social Media: Profile information if you connect social accounts

  • Analytics Providers: Website usage statistics and demographic data

  • Marketing Platforms: Email engagement and advertising effectiveness

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

3.1 Service Delivery

  • Provide access to programs, courses, and membership content

  • Process payments and manage subscriptions

  • Deliver personalized coaching and support

  • Track progress and provide recommendations

  • Send program updates and educational content

3.2 Communication

  • Respond to inquiries and provide customer support

  • Send important service announcements and updates

  • Deliver newsletters and educational materials (with consent)

  • Facilitate community interactions and discussions

3.3 Improvement and Analytics

  • Analyze website usage to improve user experience

  • Develop new programs and features based on user needs

  • Conduct research on family systems and entrepreneurship

  • Measure effectiveness of our methodologies

3.4 Marketing and Promotion

  • Send promotional emails about new programs (with consent)

  • Create targeted advertising campaigns

  • Share success stories and testimonials (with permission)

  • Develop case studies for research purposes

4. LEGAL BASES FOR PROCESSING (UK GDPR)

We process your personal data based on:

  • Consent: When you agree to receive marketing communications

  • Contract: To fulfill our obligations under service agreements

  • Legitimate Interest: To improve services and conduct business operations

  • Legal Obligation: To comply with accounting, tax, and legal requirements

5. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

5.1 We DO NOT Sell Your Data

We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5.2 Service Providers

We share data with trusted third parties who assist in:

  • Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay)

  • Email delivery (Systeme.io)

  • Website hosting and security

  • Analytics and customer support

  • Legal and accounting services

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

  • Comply with legal processes or government requests

  • Protect our rights, property, or safety

  • Prevent fraud or security breaches

  • Enforce our Terms of Service

5.4 Business Transfers

If Empire Kitchen is acquired or merged, your information may be transferred as part of the business assets.

6. DATA RETENTION

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

  • Provide services you've requested

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

  • Maintain business records for tax and accounting purposes

Specific Retention Periods:

  • Account data: Until account deletion plus 7 years for tax records

  • Marketing data: Until you unsubscribe plus 2 years

  • Website analytics: 26 months maximum

  • Payment records: 7 years for accounting requirements

7. YOUR RIGHTS (UK GDPR)

7.1 Data Subject Rights

  • Access: Request copies of your personal data

  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")

  • Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format

  • Restriction: Limit how we process your data

  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

  • Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for data processing

7.2 How to Exercise Your Rights

Contact us at hello@empire.kitchen with:

  • Your full name and email address

  • Specific request details

  • Proof of identity (if required)

  • We will respond within 30 days

8. COOKIES AND TRACKING

8.1 Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality

  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage

  • Marketing Cookies: Enable personalized advertising

  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices

8.2 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through:

  • Browser settings (block or delete cookies)

  • Our cookie consent banner

  • Opt-out links in marketing emails

  • Third-party opt-out tools

Note: Disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality.

9. DATA SECURITY

9.1 Security Measures

  • SSL encryption for data transmission

  • Secure servers with regular security updates

  • Access controls and employee training

  • Regular security audits and assessments

  • Payment data processed by PCI-compliant providers

9.2 Data Breaches

In the unlikely event of a data breach:

  • We will investigate immediately

  • Authorities will be notified within 72 hours if required

  • Affected users will be informed without undue delay

  • Steps will be taken to prevent future breaches

10. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

As a UK-based company, we primarily store data within the UK and EU. When data is transferred internationally:

  • We ensure adequate protection through approved mechanisms

  • We use Standard Contractual Clauses where applicable

  • We conduct due diligence on international service providers

11. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

11.1 Age Restrictions

  • Our services are designed for adults 18+ years

  • We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13

  • Parental consent required for children's participation in family programs

  • Parents control all data related to their children

11.2 Family Program Data

When children participate in family programs:

  • Parents provide all information about children

  • Parents control access to children's progress data

  • Children's images/stories used only with explicit parental consent

  • Data deleted upon request or when child reaches 18

12. THIRD-PARTY LINKS AND SERVICES

Our website may contain links to third-party sites and services:

  • We are not responsible for third-party privacy practices

  • Please review their privacy policies before providing information

  • Social media plugins may track your interactions

  • Third-party tools operate under their own privacy policies

13. MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

13.1 Email Marketing

  • We send educational content and program updates

  • Promotional emails require explicit consent

  • Unsubscribe links provided in all marketing emails

  • Transactional emails (receipts, program access) are not marketing

13.2 Communication Preferences

You can control communications by:

  • Updating preferences in your account settings

  • Using unsubscribe links in emails

  • Contacting hello@empire.kitchen

  • Managing notification settings

14. UPDATES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:

  • Changes in our services or business practices

  • Legal or regulatory requirements

  • Improvements in data protection practices

Notification of Changes:

  • Updated policy posted on our website

  • Email notification for significant changes

  • Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes

15. CONTACT INFORMATION

15.2 Business Information

For privacy-related questions or requests:

  • Email: hello@empire.kitchen

  • Legal Name: Lace Flowers-Ellis trading as Empire Kitchen

  • Response Time: Within 30 days

15.2 Regulatory Authority

You have the right to lodge a complaint with:

  • UK: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

  • Website: ico.org.uk

  • Phone: 0303 123 1113

15.3 General Inquiries

For general questions:

EFFECTIVE DATE: This Privacy Policy is effective as of 01/09/25 and applies to all information collected by Empire Kitchen.