Privacy Policy

Last updated: Jul 15, 2025

Your Privacy Matters (Really)

I know everyone says that, but I actually mean it. This policy explains what information I collect, why I need it, and how I protect it—all in language that won’t require a law degree to understand.

The Basics

Website: www.katjadebruijn.com
Owner: Iconogenic, Katja de Bruijn
Contact: iconogenic@gmail.com / katja AT iconogenic.com

What Information I Collect

When You’re Just Browsing
Like most websites, I use analytics to understand what content helps people most. This includes:

  • Which pages you visit
  • How long you spend reading
  • What device/browser you’re using
  • Your general location (country/city, not your street address)

This helps me create better content and fix things that aren’t working. I use privacy-focused analytics that don’t track you across the internet.

When You Join My Email List
If you sign up for my newsletter or download a freebie, I collect:

  • Your email address
  • Your first name (if provided)
  • What you signed up for (so I send relevant content)
  • Whether you open/click emails (so I know what’s helpful)

I use Mailchimp to manage this, and they’re GDPR compliant. I will never sell, rent, or give away your email address. Pinky promise.

When You Buy Something
When you purchase through my external shops (Gumroad, Etsy, Creative Market), those platforms handle payment processing. I never see your payment details. I only receive:

  • Your name and email
  • What you purchased
  • General location (for tax purposes)

Cookies (The Digital Kind)

This site uses cookies for:

Essential Functions:

  • Remembering if you’ve accepted cookies (ironic, I know)
  • Keeping you logged in if you have an account
  • Remembering your comment info so you don’t retype it

Analytics:

  • Understanding site usage (anonymized)
  • Testing which content works best

No Creepy Tracking:

  • I don’t use Facebook pixels
  • No retargeting that follows you around the internet
  • No selling your data to advertisers
  • You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features might get quirky

How I Protect Your Information

  • SSL encryption on the entire site
  • Strong passwords and two-factor authentication on all my accounts
  • Regular security updates
  • Limited access (just me, not a team of random people)
  • Secure, reputable hosting with Dreamhost

How Long I Keep Your Data

  • Comments: Kept indefinitely (they’re part of the conversation)
  • Email subscribers: Until you unsubscribe
  • Customer records: 7 years for tax/legal requirements
  • Analytics: 26 months (then auto-deleted)

Your Rights (You Have Lots!)

You can always:

  • Access – Request a copy of all data I have about you
  • Correct – Fix any incorrect information
  • Delete – Ask me to remove your data (with some legal exceptions)
  • Opt-out – Unsubscribe from emails with one click
  • Port – Export your data to take elsewhere

Just email iconogenic@gmail.com with your request. I’ll respond within 30 days (usually much faster)

Third-Party Services

I carefully choose services that respect privacy:

Embedded Content

Some articles include embedded content (YouTube videos, Instagram posts, etc.). These behave as if you’re visiting those sites directly—they might set cookies or track interactions. I only embed content that adds real value, not random social media feeds.

Children’s Privacy

This site is for entrepreneurs 15+. If you’re under 15, please have a parent/guardian handle any data submission.

Changes to This Policy

I’ll update this policy as needed and note the changes here. Major changes get announced in my newsletter. No sneaky updates—transparency is my thing.

International Visitors

I’m based in the Netherlands, but welcome visitors worldwide. I comply with GDPR for European visitors and respect privacy laws globally. Your data is processed in the US with appropriate safeguards.

Questions? Concerns? Coffee Chat?

I’m not a faceless corporation. If anything here confuses you or if you want to know more about how I handle your data, just ask:
Email: iconogenic@gmail.com
I personally read and respond to privacy questions because your trust matters more than any metric

The Short Version

I collect only what’s needed to help you build a better brand. I protect it carefully. I never sell it. You can control, access, or delete it anytime. That’s it—that’s the whole privacy philosophy.

Building brands and respecting privacy,
Katja

P.S. If you made it through this entire policy, you deserve a gold star. Here’s a virtual coffee ☕ for your dedication to privacy awareness!