PRIVACY POLICY

Golden Coast Branding

Effective Date: 06/30/26

Golden Coast Branding ("GCB," "we," "us," or "our") provides brand photography and Squarespace web design services. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through our website and in the course of providing services, how we use it, and the choices you have.

By using our website or engaging our services, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Information you give us directly:

Name, email address, phone number, and business/practice details submitted through contact forms, inquiry forms, or booking requests

Information shared during consultations, questionnaires, or onboarding (e.g., brand preferences, business goals, project content)

Payment information processed through Stripe or Square (see Section 4 — we do not store your full card details ourselves)

Photos, video, and likeness captured during photography sessions

Any content, copy, images, or files you provide for your website or brand project

Information collected automatically:

Basic website usage data (pages visited, browser type, general location) via Squarespace's built-in analytics

Cookies used to operate and improve the website (see Section 6)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Respond to inquiries and provide quotes or proposals

Deliver photography and web design services, including project communication and scheduling

Process payments and invoices

Build, edit, and deliver your Squarespace website

Use session photos in our own portfolio, marketing, and social media, as agreed to in your signed service contract

Send project-related updates and, if you've opted in, occasional marketing or newsletter content

Improve our website and services

We do not sell your personal information.

3. Photo & Image Usage

Photos taken during branding or photography sessions may be used by Golden Coast Branding for portfolio display, social media, marketing materials, and promotional purposes. The specific terms of this usage — including any limitations or opt-outs — are set out in the service contract you sign with us prior to your session. If you have questions about how your images may be used, please refer to your contract or contact us directly.

4. Payment Processing

Payments are processed securely through Stripe and/or Square. We do not store your full credit card number, CVV, or banking details on our own systems. Payment processors collect and handle this information under their own privacy policies:

Stripe: https://stripe.com/privacy

Square: https://squareup.com/us/en/legal/general/privacy

5. How We Share Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share information with:

Service providers who help us operate our business (e.g., Squarespace for hosting, Stripe/Square for payments)

Legal authorities, if required to comply with the law or protect our rights

Business successors, in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

6. Cookies

Our website, built on Squarespace, uses cookies and similar technologies to operate properly, remember preferences, and understand site traffic. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling them may affect site functionality.

7. Data Retention

We retain client information and project files for as long as reasonably necessary to provide services, maintain business records, and comply with legal or tax obligations. Portfolio images may be retained and used indefinitely per the terms of your service contract, unless you request removal.

8. Your Rights

You may contact us at any time to:

Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you

Ask us to correct inaccurate information

Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal, contractual, or record-keeping obligations)

Opt out of marketing emails at any time via the unsubscribe link or by contacting us directly

California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

Know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose

Request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions

Request correction of inaccurate personal information

Opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information — note: Golden Coast Branding does not sell or share your personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising

Not be discriminated against for exercising these rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information in Section 10. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services and website are not directed to individuals under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise any of your rights, please contact:

Golden Coast Branding

Email: hello@goldencoastbranding.com

Website: www.goldencoastbranding.com

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Effective Date" at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.