Effective: 07/20/2026

Self Care Snob® respects your privacy and is committed to handling personal information responsibly.

This Privacy Policy explains how Self Care Snob®, and any legal entity operating the Self Care Snob® brand and the Black Business Directory, collects, uses, discloses, stores and protects information when you:

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• visit https://www.theselfcaresnob.com;

• submit a business to the Black Business Directory;

• contact us;

• subscribe to emails or updates;

• purchase a product or service;

• make a donation;

• create or use an account; or

• otherwise interact with our website, directory or services.

In this Policy, “Self Care Snob®,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the legal business operating Self Care Snob® and the Black Business Directory.

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1. Scope of this Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through our website, forms, directory, communications and related online services.

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It does not govern the independent privacy practices of businesses listed in the Black Business Directory, social-media platforms, payment processors or other third-party websites and services.

When you follow a link to another website, that third party’s own privacy policy applies.

2. Information we collect

The information we collect depends on how you interact with us.

Information you provide directly

We may collect information that you submit through forms, purchases, account features, email or other communications, including:

• your name;

• business name;

• business description;

• business category;

• city, province, state or general location;

• business website;

• social-media handles and links;

• email address;

• telephone number, when provided;

• business logo, photographs or other uploaded content;

• account or login information;

• order, billing and transaction information;

• customer-service messages;

• consent preferences;

• reviews, comments or other submitted content; and

• any other information you choose to provide.

Directory-submission information

When you submit a business to the Black Business Directory, we may collect:

• the identity and contact information of the person submitting the listing;

• confirmation that the submitter owns the business or is authorized to act for it;

• business ownership and eligibility information;

• the information intended to appear publicly in the directory;

• supporting information used to review or verify the submission; and

• internal notes concerning approval, rejection, correction or removal.

Submission does not guarantee approval or publication. Every directory submission may be reviewed for completeness, accuracy, eligibility, safety, relevance and alignment with our directory standards.

Information collected automatically

When you use our website, we and our service providers may automatically collect technical and usage information, including:

• IP address;

• browser type;

• device type and operating system;

• approximate location derived from an IP address;

• referring and exit pages;

• pages viewed;

• date and time of visits;

• links and buttons clicked;

• session information;

• cookie identifiers; and

• website performance, error and security information.

We may collect this information through cookies, pixels, log files, analytics tools and similar technologies.

Payment information

Payments may be processed by third-party payment providers.

We may receive limited transaction information, such as:

• your name;

• billing address;

• email address;

• order details;

• payment status; and

• the final digits or type of payment method.

We generally do not directly receive or store complete payment-card numbers when payments are processed by an external payment provider.

3. Public directory information

Information submitted for public display may be published in the Black Business Directory.

Public information may include:

• business name;

• logo or business image;

• business description;

• category;

• general location;

• website;

• social-media links; and

• other details clearly identified as directory information.

Once published, this information may be viewed, copied, indexed or shared by website visitors, search engines and third parties.

Important: Do not submit home addresses, private telephone numbers, personal email addresses or other information that you do not want made public. 

Administrative contact information provided only for review or verification will not be intentionally displayed unless you authorize publication or the form clearly identifies it as public information.

4. How we use information

We may use information to:

• operate, maintain and improve our website and services;

• receive and review directory submissions;

• verify directory eligibility and submitted information;

• approve, reject, edit, suspend or remove directory listings;

• publish approved business information;

• communicate with business owners and authorized submitters;

• process purchases, payments and orders;

• provide customer service;

• respond to questions and requests;

• manage user accounts;

• prevent spam, fraud, misuse and security threats;

• investigate complaints;

• enforce our Terms and Conditions;

• maintain administrative and legal records;

• analyze website use and performance;

• personalize website content;

• comply with legal obligations;

• protect our rights and the rights of others; and

• send marketing communications where permitted and where the required consent has been obtained.

Under applicable Canadian and United States privacy requirements, organizations should clearly explain what personal information they collect, the purposes for which it will be used or disclosed, and the choices or rights available to individuals. Where consent or notice is legally required, it should be clear, meaningful and provided at or before the relevant collection or use of personal information.

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5. Legal grounds, notice and consent

Depending on your location, the information involved and the circumstances, we may collect, use, disclose or otherwise process personal information:

• with your consent;

• to provide a product, service, directory listing or feature you requested;

• to process and administer a submission, purchase, donation, account or other transaction;

• to communicate with you about your submission, listing, order, account or request;

• for reasonable business and operational purposes described in this Privacy Policy;

• to prevent fraud, misuse, security incidents or other harmful activity;

• to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, tax, accounting or record-keeping obligations;

• to establish, exercise or defend legal rights; or

• to protect the rights, safety and security of Self Care Snob®, our visitors, listed businesses and others.

Where applicable law requires consent, we will seek consent in a form appropriate to the nature and sensitivity of the information and the proposed use or disclosure.

You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to reasonable notice and any applicable legal or contractual restrictions. Withdrawal will not affect processing that was lawful before consent was withdrawn.

Withdrawing consent may prevent us from continuing to provide a service that depends on the relevant information. For example, if you withdraw permission for us to publish your directory information, we may remove or disable your listing.

In Canada, organizations are generally expected to identify clear purposes for collecting, using and disclosing personal information and to obtain meaningful consent where required. Individuals should be able to understand what information is being collected, why it is needed, how it will be used or shared and any meaningful consequences of providing or withholding consent. Uses that are optional should be distinguished from those necessary to provide the requested product or service.

In the United States, privacy requirements vary by federal law, state law, the type of information involved and whether a particular law applies to the business. We will provide notices, obtain consent and offer privacy choices or opt-out rights where required. We will also accurately describe our data practices and avoid unfair or deceptive practices. Applicable state laws may provide additional rights concerning access, correction, deletion, portability, sensitive information, targeted advertising, or the sale or sharing of personal information.

6. Directory approval and verification

Every business submitted to the Black Business Directory is subject to review.

We may use submitted information to:

• confirm that the form is complete;

• evaluate whether the business meets directory eligibility requirements;

• verify the business, submitter or public-facing information;

• contact the submitter for clarification;

• investigate credible complaints or safety concerns; and

• determine whether a listing should be approved, rejected, corrected, suspended or removed.

We may request reasonable supporting information. However, you should not send government identification, financial-account information, Social Security numbers, Social Insurance Numbers or other sensitive information unless we specifically request it through an appropriate secure process.

Our review is an administrative screening process. Approval does not constitute certification, endorsement or a guarantee concerning a listed business.

7. Marketing communications

Directory administration and marketing are treated separately.

Submitting a business allows us to contact you about matters directly related to:

• your submission;

• verification;

• approval or rejection;

• requested corrections;

• complaints;

• directory updates affecting your listing; or

• removal of the listing.

It does not automatically enroll you in unrelated promotional emails.

We will send promotional or newsletter communications only where permitted by applicable law and, where required, after obtaining consent.

Anti-spam law generally requires consent before commercial electronic messages are sent and requires senders to maintain appropriate consent records.

You may unsubscribe from promotional emails using the link in the message or by contacting us. Administrative messages concerning an active submission, order or account may still be sent where necessary.

8. Cookies and similar technologies

We and our service providers may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• operate essential website functions;

• remember settings and preferences;

• maintain sessions and accounts;

• prevent fraud and protect security;

• understand website traffic;

• analyze performance;

• improve user experience; and

• support advertising or marketing, where used and permitted.

Some cookies are necessary for the website to function. Others may be optional.

Where required, we will present a cookie notice or consent tool that allows visitors to manage non-essential cookies.

You may also control cookies through your browser settings. Blocking certain cookies may affect website functionality.

9. How we disclose information

We may disclose information in the following circumstances.

Service providers

We may provide information to companies that perform services for us, such as:

• website hosting;

• cloud storage;

• form and database management;

• analytics;

• email delivery;

• customer support;

• payment processing;

• fraud prevention;

• security;

• professional advice; and

• technical maintenance.

These providers may process information only as needed to perform services for us, subject to their agreements, legal obligations and privacy practices.

Public directory publication

Approved directory information will be disclosed publicly as described in this Policy.

Legal and safety reasons

We may disclose information where reasonably necessary to:

• comply with law, regulation, court order or lawful process;

• respond to valid government or law-enforcement requests;

• investigate fraud, abuse or security threats;

• enforce our agreements;

• protect the rights, property or safety of Self Care Snob®, our visitors, listed businesses or others; or

• establish, exercise or defend legal claims.

Business transfers

If all or part of our business is reorganized, sold, merged, financed or transferred, information may be disclosed to advisers, prospective parties and successors, subject to appropriate confidentiality and legal requirements.

With consent

We may disclose information for another purpose when you authorize us to do so.

10. Sale and sharing of personal information

We do not sell personal information for money. We also do not knowingly share personal information for cross-context behavioural advertising as those terms may be defined under applicable U.S. state privacy laws.

Some analytics, advertising or social-media technologies may be treated as “sharing,” “targeted advertising” or a “sale” under certain U.S. state laws even when no money is exchanged. If we use technologies that trigger those obligations, we will provide any legally required notice and opt-out mechanism.

California law gives qualifying consumers rights concerning the sale or sharing of personal information, deletion, correction, access and non-discrimination, but those obligations apply only to businesses that fall within the law’s scope.

11. Data retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, including to:

• administer directory submissions and listings;

• complete transactions;

• maintain business and tax records;

• comply with legal obligations;

• address disputes and complaints;

• prevent fraud;

• enforce agreements; and

• protect security.

Retention periods may depend on:

• the type of information;

• whether a directory listing remains active;

• whether an account or transaction remains open;

• legal limitation periods;

• tax and accounting requirements; and

• whether information is needed for an investigation or dispute.

When information is no longer reasonably required, we may delete, anonymize or securely dispose of it.

12. Data security

We use reasonable administrative, technical and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information against:

• unauthorized access;

• loss;

• misuse;

• alteration;

• improper disclosure; and

• destruction.

These safeguards may include access restrictions, account controls, secure service providers, authentication measures, software maintenance and internal procedures.

No website, database, transmission or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure. You are responsible for protecting your passwords and account access.

The FTC advises businesses to collect only information they need, protect it appropriately and dispose of it securely, and notes that businesses must honour the privacy and security representations they make.

13. Cross-border processing

Self Care Snob® may operate in Canada while using service providers, hosting infrastructure or technology located in Canada, the United States or other countries.

As a result, information may be stored or processed outside your province, state or country. It may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction where it is processed and may be accessible to courts, law-enforcement agencies or government authorities in that jurisdiction where legally required.

We take reasonable steps to use reputable providers and contractual or organizational safeguards appropriate to the nature of the information.

14. Your privacy rights

Your rights depend on where you live and which laws apply to our activities.

Subject to applicable law, you may request that we:

• confirm whether we hold personal information about you;

• provide access to certain personal information;

• explain how information has been used or disclosed;

• correct inaccurate or incomplete information;

• delete information;

• withdraw or change consent;

• stop sending marketing communications;

• provide information in a portable format, where required;

• restrict or object to certain processing;

• opt out of sale, sharing or targeted advertising, where applicable; or

• review a decision concerning your privacy request.

Canadian privacy law generally provides rights of access and correction, subject to exceptions. Meaningful consent may also be withdrawn, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.

Residents of U.S. states with applicable comprehensive privacy laws may have rights to access, delete or correct information and, in some cases, opt out of sale, sharing, profiling or targeted advertising. California’s law, where applicable, also prohibits discrimination for exercising covered privacy rights.

To submit a request, contact us using the information in Section 21.

We may need to verify your identity and authority before completing a request. We may deny or limit a request where permitted by law and will explain the decision where required.

Authorized agents may submit requests where recognized by applicable law, subject to appropriate verification.

15. Directory corrections and removal

A business owner or authorized representative may request correction or removal of a directory listing by contacting us.

We may request information reasonably necessary to confirm:

• the requester’s identity;

• their relationship to the business; and

• their authority to modify or remove the listing.

Removing a public listing does not necessarily require immediate deletion of all administrative records. We may retain limited information where reasonably required for legal compliance, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, security or documentation of the request.

16. Children’s privacy

Our business directory, products and services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the directory-submission process.

A person submitting a business must be at least 18 years old or have the involvement and authorization of a parent, guardian or legally authorized adult.

If we learn that we collected personal information from a child in circumstances where parental consent was legally required, we will take reasonable steps to delete it.

The FTC identifies COPPA as the U.S. federal framework governing certain online collection of personal information from children under 13.

17. Sensitive personal information

Please do not submit sensitive personal information unless it is specifically and lawfully requested.

This includes:

• government identification numbers;

• Social Insurance Numbers;

• Social Security numbers;

• complete financial-account information;

• passwords;

• precise residential addresses not intended for publication;

• health information;

• biometric identifiers; and

• information concerning children.

The directory is designed to collect ordinary business and contact information, not sensitive personal information.

18. Third-party websites and listed businesses

The Black Business Directory contains links to independent businesses and third-party platforms.

We do not control the information those businesses or platforms collect after you leave our website.

Inclusion in the directory does not mean that we:

• control a business’s privacy practices;

• endorse its products or services;

• guarantee its security;

• verify every statement it makes; or

• accept responsibility for its independent conduct.

Review the privacy policy of each third party before providing information or making a purchase.

19. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:

• changes to our services;

• new technologies;

• operational practices;

• service providers; or

• legal requirements.

The updated Policy will be posted with a revised “Last updated” date.

Where required, we will provide additional notice or obtain renewed consent before using personal information for a materially different purpose.

20. Complaints

Please contact us first if you have a question or complaint about our privacy practices. We will make reasonable efforts to investigate and respond.

Canadian individuals may also have the right to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or an applicable provincial privacy regulator. U.S. individuals may have the right to contact an applicable state attorney general or privacy regulator.

21. Contact us

Questions, requests and privacy complaints may be directed to: