Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2025

Welcome to SophieDear.com (the “Website”). This Privacy Policy explains how I (Sophie Dear) collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit my website, join a program, book a retreat, or subscribe to my newsletter.

By using this Website, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

1. Who I Am

My name is Sophie Dear, a yoga and meditation teacher, coach, and retreat leader based in the United Kingdom. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is used, please contact me at:

📧 sophie@sophiedear.com
📍 Based in London, United Kingdom

2. What Information I Collect

I collect and process different types of information depending on how you interact with my site:

A. Information You Provide Directly

  • Name and contact details (when you fill out a form, subscribe, or book a service)

  • Health or travel information (if provided voluntarily for retreat bookings or coaching)

  • Payment information (processed securely via third-party platforms such as Stripe, PayPal, or booking systems — I do not store card details)

  • Emails and messages (from contact forms or direct communication)

B. Information Collected Automatically

  • IP address, browser type, device data, and browsing behavior (via cookies and analytics tools such as Google Analytics or Meta Pixel)

  • Website usage patterns to help improve site performance and user experience

3. How I Use Your Information

I use your personal data for the following purposes:

  • To respond to your messages and enquiries

  • To process bookings, payments, or event registrations

  • To send updates, newsletters, or marketing (only if you’ve opted in)

  • To personalize your experience on the website

  • To comply with legal or accounting obligations

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” in any email or contacting me directly.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

Under the UK GDPR, I process your personal data based on:

  • Consent – when you sign up for emails or provide optional information

  • Contract – when I need to fulfill a service you’ve purchased

  • Legal obligation – for accounting or tax purposes

  • Legitimate interests – for improving my website or communicating relevant offers

5. How I Store and Protect Your Data

Your data is stored securely using GDPR-compliant systems such as Google Workspace, Flodesk, Stripe, Squarespace, Kajabi, and Calendly. I take appropriate measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. I only keep your data as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy (for example, to comply with tax laws or maintain business records).

6. Sharing Your Information

I do not sell or rent your personal data. I may share limited information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in running my business, such as:

  • Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)

  • Email marketing platforms (Flodesk, ConvertKit)

  • Booking systems (Calendly, Retreat Booking platforms)

  • Analytics and advertising tools (Google Analytics, Meta Ads)

These third parties are GDPR-compliant and only process your data as necessary to perform their services.

7. Cookies

This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device to help remember preferences and analyze traffic. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data I hold about you

  • Request correction or deletion of your data

  • Withdraw consent at any time (for marketing or optional data)

  • Request data portability

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your rights have been violated

9. International Transfers

If your data is transferred outside the UK (for example, via email marketing or cloud storage), it will be protected under appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent mechanisms required under UK law.

10. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect new regulations or changes in business operations. The latest version will always be available on this page, and the “last updated” date will be revised accordingly.

11. Contact

For privacy-related questions or data access requests, please contact: sophie@sophiedear.com