Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Sparkle Shining Public Speaking Training ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website sparklshinning.com and use our services.

This policy complies with Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Professional information (job title, company, industry)
• Training preferences and goals
• Payment information (processed securely by third-party payment processors)
• Communication records and feedback

2.2 Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent on site
• Referring websites
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide public speaking training and coaching services
• Communication: To respond to inquiries and provide customer support
• Marketing: To send newsletters, updates, and promotional materials (with your consent)
• Improvement: To analyze and improve our services and website functionality
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Business Operations: For invoicing, scheduling, and administrative purposes

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

• Consent: When you voluntarily provide information or agree to marketing communications
• Contract: To fulfill our training services and business agreements
• Legitimate Interest: For business operations, security, and service improvement
• Legal Obligation: To comply with Canadian and provincial laws

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

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

• Website hosting and maintenance
• Email marketing services
• Payment processing
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• Customer relationship management

5.2 Legal Requirements

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

• Comply with legal processes or government requests
• Protect our rights and property
• Ensure user and public safety
• Investigate potential violations of our terms

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to the same privacy protections.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers and firewalls
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments
• Employee training on privacy and security
• Incident response procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Active Clients: Throughout the service relationship and for 7 years after for business records
• Marketing Subscribers: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
• Website Visitors: Technical data retained for up to 2 years for analytics
• Inactive Accounts: Personal information deleted after 3 years of inactivity

8. Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 Access and Correction

• Request access to your personal information we hold
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
• Receive information about how your data is used

8.2 Consent Withdrawal

• Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
• Opt-out of non-essential data collection
• Request deletion of information where legally permissible

8.3 Data Portability

• Request a copy of your personal information in a portable format
• Transfer your information to another service provider

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

9.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage and performance
• Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising and campaign measurement
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices

9.2 Cookie Management

You can manage cookie preferences through:

• Our cookie consent banner when you first visit
• Your browser settings to block or delete cookies
• Opting out of specific tracking services

Note that disabling certain cookies may limit website functionality.

10. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside Canada. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:

• Adequacy decisions by Canadian authorities
• Standard contractual clauses
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct
• Explicit consent where required

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will:

• Post the updated policy on our website
• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you of material changes via email or website notice
• Provide opportunity to review changes before they take effect

Your continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

14. Complaint Process

If you believe we have not properly handled your personal information, you have the right to file a complaint with: