HMU COLLECTIVE - Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 6 February 2026

 

HMU Collective is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly, transparently, and securely.

 

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how it is shared, and the rights you have in relation to your personal data.

 

By using HMU Collective, you agree to the collection and use of information in line with this policy.

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1. WHO WE ARE

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HMU Collective is a professional directory and platform for hair and makeup freelancers and hiring creatives.

 

For the purposes of UK data protection law, HMU Collective is the data controller of your personal information.

 

Contact email: hello@hmu-collective.com

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2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

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We collect information in the following ways:

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A. Information You Provide Directly

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When you create an account or use the platform, you may provide:

 

• Account details: name, email address, password

• Portfolio information: bio, skills, experience, location, availability, portfolio images, CV uploads, social media links

• Contact preferences: how hiring creatives can reach you

• Payment information: transaction details (payments are processed securely by Wix Payments; HMU Collective does not store card details)

• Support communications: emails or messages sent to HMU Collective for support or enquiries

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B. Information Collected Automatically

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When you use the site, we may collect:

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• Usage data: pages viewed, interactions, time spent on the site

• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system

• Cookies and similar technologies: to ensure the site functions correctly and to understand how it is used

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For more information, see our Cookie Policy.

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3. HOW YOUR INFORMATION IS USED

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We use your information to:

 

• Create and manage your HMU Collective account

• Display freelancer portfolios in the directory

• Enable hiring creatives to discover freelancers based on location, skills, and availability

• Facilitate direct contact between freelancers and hiring creatives

• Process membership payments

• Communicate essential service updates (for example, changes to terms or platform functionality)

• Improve site performance, usability, and security

• Prevent fraud, misuse, or unauthorised access

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We do not use your data for purposes unrelated to the operation of the platform.

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4. CONTACT BETWEEN USERS (IMPORTANT)

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When you create a freelancer portfolio, you consent to the following:

• Your email address is not publicly visible on your portfolio page.

• When a hiring creative clicks the “Book me” button, an email draft opens that allows them to contact you directly using the email address associated with your account.

• HMU Collective does not read, store, or monitor the content of communications between users.

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All communication, negotiation, and agreements happen independently between freelancers and hiring creatives.

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5. HOW YOUR INFORMATION IS SHARED

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HMU Collective does not sell or rent your personal data.

 

Your information may be shared only in the following ways:

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A. With Other Users

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• Freelancer portfolio information is visible to hiring creatives using the directory.

• Contact is initiated only when a hiring creative chooses to contact a freelancer.

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B. With Trusted Service Providers

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• Wix (hosting, databases, and platform infrastructure)

• Payment providers (for secure payment processing)

• Analytics services (to understand site usage and improve performance)

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All service providers are required to handle data securely and lawfully.

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C. Legal Obligations

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• If required by law or regulatory authorities, we may disclose information to comply with legal obligations.

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6. DATA STORAGE & SECURITY

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We take data protection seriously.

• HMU Collective is hosted on Wix, which provides encrypted servers and security measures.

• Access to personal data is limited to authorised access only.

• Data is retained only as long as necessary to operate the platform, meet legal requirements, or resolve disputes.

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7. YOUR RIGHTS

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Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

 

• Access the personal data we hold about you

• Update or correct your information via your account

• Request deletion of your account and personal data

• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

• Object to certain types of data processing

• Request data portability, where applicable

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To exercise these rights, contact hello@hmu-collective.com.

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8. MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

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• HMU Collective may send occasional platform updates or announcements.

• You can opt out of non-essential communications at any time using the unsubscribe link or by contacting us.

• We do not send marketing emails unrelated to the platform without consent.

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9. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

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HMU Collective may include links to third-party websites (such as Instagram or external portfolios).

 

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites. Please review their policies separately.

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10. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

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HMU Collective is intended for users aged 18 and over.

 

We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has provided personal data, please contact us so it can be removed.

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11. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

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We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect platform or legal changes.

 

When updates are made, the “Last Updated” date will be revised. Continued use of the platform indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

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12. CONTACT

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If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact:

 

hello@hmu-collective.com