PRIVACY POLICY

Last updated: [8th of July 2025]
Willow and Ember ("we", "our", or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website [www.willowandember.co.uk] or interact with us in any way.
1. Who We Are
Willow and Ember is a UK-based small business specialising in handmade vegan soy candles scented with essential oils. We are the data controller responsible for your personal data.
2. What Personal Data We Collect
We may collect, use, store and transfer the following information:

• Identity Data: Name, title

• Contact Data: Email address, billing/shipping address, phone number

• Transaction Data: Order details, payment confirmations (we do not store card details)

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device, time zone

• Usage Data: How you use our website

• Marketing & Communications Data: Your preferences in receiving marketing

3. How We Collect Your Data
We collect personal data via:

• Direct interactions (placing an order, signing up for emails)

• Automated technologies (cookies and analytics)

• Third parties (payment providers, delivery services)

4. How We Use Your Data
We use your personal data to:

• Process and fulfil orders

• Provide customer service

• Send order confirmations and updates

• Comply with legal obligations

• Send marketing emails (with your consent)

• Analyse website usage for improvement

5. Legal Basis for Processing (UK & EU GDPR)
We only process your personal data when the law allows us to. This includes:

• Performance of a contract (e.g., to fulfil your order)

• Legal obligation (e.g., tax records)

• Legitimate interests (e.g., to improve website experience)

• Consent (e.g., for marketing communications)

6. Cookies
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and analyse traffic. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. For full details, see our [Cookie Policy].
7. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your data. We may share your data with:

• Service providers (e.g., delivery couriers, payment processors)

• IT and system administration providers

• Legal or tax authorities if required

All third parties are required to respect your data and use it only for specified purposes.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for:

• Fulfilling the purposes we collected it for (typically up to 6 years for legal/tax obligations)

• Marketing, where consent has been given (until you opt out)

9. International Transfers
We store your data in the UK or EEA. If any transfer occurs outside the UK/EEA, we ensure it is protected using appropriate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses.
10. Your Rights
Under UK and EU data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data

• Request correction or erasure

• Object to or restrict processing

• Withdraw consent at any time (for marketing)

• Lodge a complaint with the ICO (UK) or your local EU data authority

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:
📧 willowandembercandles@gmail.com
11. Security
We take appropriate security measures to prevent your data from being lost, used, or accessed in an unauthorised way.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted here with the "Last Updated" date.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your data, contact:
Willow and Ember
Email: willowandembercandles@gmail.com
Website: [www.willowandember.co.uk]
United Kingdom