Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective date: 01 January 2026

1. Data controller
Sherita L Nelms (trading as Sherita Web Design)
Registered office: 14805 Riverside Dr, South Holland, IL 60473-1089
Email: sales@sheritadesign.com
Website: https://sheritadesign.com

2. Summary — what we collect and why
We collect personal data you provide (for example, name, email, phone, company) and technical data collected automatically (such as IP address, browser type, cookies, and usage data). We use this data to provide our services, communicate with you, operate and improve the website, comply with legal obligations, and for legitimate business interests (e.g., security, analytics, marketing where consented).

3. Categories of personal data collected
- Contact data: name, company, email address, phone number, postal address.
- Account and service data: messages, files, project briefs you send to us.
- Technical and usage data: IP address, device type, browser, operating system, pages visited, time on site, referral source.
- Cookies and tracking identifiers (see section 6).
- Billing data: invoicing details, payment transaction IDs (if applicable).

4. Legal basis for processing
Where applicable, we rely on one or more of the following legal bases:
- Performance of a contract: processing necessary to provide services you requested.
- Consent: e.g., for direct marketing or non-essential cookies (you may withdraw consent at any time).
- Legitimate interests: site security, analytics, improvement of services (balanced against your rights).
- Legal obligation: where required by law (tax, accounting, regulatory).

5. How we use personal data
- To respond to inquiries and provide services and quotes.
- To process and manage client projects and billing.
- To send important service messages and updates.
- To personalize and improve the website and services.
- To analyze website usage using analytics tools.
- To send marketing communications if you have opted in (you can unsubscribe anytime).

6. Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to operate the website, remember preferences, provide functionality, and analyze usage. Cookies fall into categories:
- Strictly necessary cookies: required for the site to function.
- Functional cookies: remember preferences and settings.
- Performance/analytics cookies: collect aggregated usage data.
- Marketing cookies: used for advertising and tracking (only with consent where required).

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings and our cookie consent banner. Disabling certain cookies may affect site functionality.

7. Links to other websites
Our site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please read the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

8. Data retention
We keep personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described (e.g., to manage projects, comply with accounting and tax rules, resolve disputes, or meet legal obligations). Typical retention periods:
- Inquiries and contact data: up to 3 years after last contact (unless you request deletion sooner).
- Client project records and invoices: up to statutory accounting/tax retention period in [country] (commonly 6–10 years).
- Analytics and cookies: as specified in our cookie policy or analytics provider settings.

9. International transfers
Some service providers we use may process data outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or your country. Where transfers occur, we ensure appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses, adequacy decisions, or other lawful transfer mechanisms) to protect your personal data.

10. Data security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no system is completely secure — if you suspect any misuse of your data, please contact us immediately.

11. Your rights
Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:
- Access your personal data and receive a copy.
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”) in certain circumstances.
- Restrict or object to processing (including direct marketing).
- Request data portability (receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format).
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent, without affecting processing prior to withdrawal.
To exercise your rights, contact us at sales@sheritadesign.com. We may need to verify your identity before responding. If you are in the EU/EEA, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

12. Minors
Our website and services are not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If you believe we have collected data from a minor, please contact us so we can delete it.

13. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Effective date" at the top indicates when this version takes effect. Significant changes will be notified on the website or by email where appropriate.

14. Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, contact:
Data protection contact
Email: sales@sheritadesign.com