Privacy policy

Last Updated: April 2025 · Akola Project

This policy applies to information collected through akolajewelry.com and in connection with our products, services, and events.

01 — Who We Are

Akola is a nonprofit jewelry brand. Our name means "She Works" in a local Ugandan dialect. Every piece we make is handcrafted by women in Uganda who earn sustainable wages and build long-term stability for themselves and their families.

We sell jewelry through our website at akolajewelry.com and at in-person events across the United States and Canada. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and what choices you have.

02 — What Information We Collect

We collect information in a few different ways.

When you place an order or create an account:

Your name and email address
Your shipping and billing address
Your phone number, if you choose to provide it
Payment details — these are processed securely by our payment processor. We do not store your full card number.

When you sign up for emails or texts:

Your name and email address
Your phone number, if you opt into SMS messages

When you visit our website:

Pages you view and products you browse
Items you add to your cart
Your IP address and device type
Information collected through cookies and tracking tools (see Section 3)

When you attend one of our events:

Your name, email, and phone number if you sign up on-site

03 — Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. A cookie is a small file placed on your device that helps the site recognize you and remember your preferences.

Here is what we use them for:

Cart tracking. Our website uses cookies to keep track of items you put into your shopping cart — including when you leave the site without completing your purchase. This information helps us know when to send a cart reminder by email or text message.
Analytics. We use tools like Google Analytics to understand how people find and use our website. This helps us improve the experience over time.
Advertising & retargeting. We use tools like the Meta Pixel to show you relevant ads on other platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, based on your activity on our site.

⚠️ Required Disclosure: Akola's website uses cookies to help keep track of items you put into your shopping cart, including when you have abandoned your cart. This information is used to determine when to send cart reminder messages by email or text message.

Most browsers allow you to control or block cookies through your settings. Doing so may affect how parts of the site work, including your shopping cart.

04 — How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Process and fulfill your orders
Send order confirmations and shipping updates
Send marketing emails, if you have opted in
Send SMS text messages, if you have opted in
Remind you about items left in your cart
Improve our website and product offerings
Understand how people engage with our brand
Comply with legal obligations

We will never use your information in a way that feels intrusive or disrespectful. Your trust matters to us.

05 — Text Message (SMS) Program

Akola sends text messages to customers who have chosen to opt in. Here is how that works.

How you opt in:

By checking the opt-in box at checkout
By submitting your phone number through a sign-up form on our website
By providing your phone number in person at one of our events

What kinds of messages we send:

Exclusive subscriber offers and discount codes
New product announcements
Abandoned cart reminders
Event invitations and updates

Message frequency: Message frequency will vary. You may receive up to 5–10 messages per month depending on activity and promotions.

Message and data rates may apply depending on your carrier and plan.

How to opt out: Reply STOP to any text message at any time. You will be removed from our SMS list immediately. You can also contact us directly to be removed.

How to get help: Reply HELP to any text message for assistance, or email us at care@akola.co.

⚠️ Required Disclosure: Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties for their own marketing purposes.

06 — Who We Share Your Information With

We share your information only with trusted service providers who help us operate our business. These include:

Shopify — our e-commerce platform
Klaviyo — our email and SMS marketing platform
Payment processors — to securely handle transactions
Shipping carriers — to deliver your orders
Analytics providers — such as Google Analytics and Meta, to help us understand site performance and run advertising

These providers are only permitted to use your information to perform services on our behalf. We do not sell your personal information.

We do not share your information with unaffiliated third parties for their own marketing purposes.

⚠️ Required Disclosure: The above excludes text messaging originator opt-in data and consent. This information will not be shared with any third parties.

07 — How Long We Keep Your Data

We keep your personal information for as long as your account is active or as long as needed to provide you with our services.

When you close your account or request deletion, we will remove your personal information from our active systems within a reasonable timeframe, unless we are required to keep it for legal or financial record-keeping purposes.

Some information may be retained in anonymized or aggregated form for analytical purposes, where it can no longer be used to identify you.

08 — Your Rights & Choices

You are in control of your information. Here is what you can do at any time:

Unsubscribe from emails by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any marketing email.
Opt out of SMS messages by replying STOP to any text message.
Request access to your data — ask us what information we have on file for you.
Request correction of your data — if something is wrong, we will fix it.
Request deletion of your data — subject to any legal retention requirements, we will remove your information.
Contact us directly at any time using the information in Section 11.

09 — California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives you specific rights regarding your personal information.

You have the right to:

Know what personal information we collect about you and how it is used
Request deletion of your personal information
Opt out of the sale of your personal information
Not be discriminated against for exercising your rights

We do not sell personal information. This includes text message opt-in data and consent, which is never sold or shared with third parties for their marketing purposes.

To exercise your rights under the CCPA, contact us using the information in Section 11. We will respond within 45 days as required by law.

10 — Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the date at the top of this page.

If we make a meaningful change — one that affects how we use your data in a significant way — we will let you know by email or by posting a clear notice on our website.

Continuing to use our website or services after a policy update means you accept the updated terms.

11 — Contact Us

Questions about this policy? Want to exercise your rights? We are here.

Akola Jewelry

Email: care@akolajewelry.com

Website: akolajewelry.com