PART 1: PRIVACY POLICY
Who We Are
The Refinery Collective is a premium social impact initiative and ecosystem owned and operated by Hortiki Plants LLC, based in Washington, DC, USA. We operate globally with a commitment to strict data protection standards, including alignment with Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and global GDPR frameworks. You can reach our Data Protection Officer at info@refinerycollective.co.
Information We Collect & How We Use It
To maintain a secure, vetted community, we collect specific data points that are strictly necessary to run the ecosystem. We collect and use this data for explicit operational purposes:
Third-Party Identity & Age Verification: To protect the integrity of the collective and verify age, we utilize secure, third-party identity processors (such as Stripe Identity). When you are asked to submit a government ID or biometric selfie, that sensitive data is captured and processed entirely within their secure ecosystem. Hortiki Plants LLC does not view, collect, or store your biometric data or ID documents on our servers. This information is retained and permanently deleted strictly in accordance with our third-party processor’s regulatory data retention policies.
Third-Party AI Processing of Voice and Images: To provide advanced feedback, you may choose to upload mirror selfies to the "Style Sandbox" or participate in voice-based social simulations in our AI Dialogue Lab. You acknowledge that this user-generated media (audio files and photos) is securely transmitted via API to third-party processors (like OpenAI) for analysis.
Voluntary Media Sharing in Community Channels: If you choose to share photos of yourself while out in the real world to celebrate wins or receive support in our private Discord channels, you do so voluntarily and assume all responsibility for sharing your likeness. You maintain control over these images through your Discord account and have the freedom to delete your uploaded images at any time.
Physical Audits & Refinement Profiles: As you transition from the digital experience to full membership and our physical summits, we will ask you to provide information regarding your physical baseline (including nutrition, fitness routines, skincare, hair care, and grooming). This data is collected securely via web forms or our digital app and is used strictly to provide you with personalized audits and actionable refinement plans. You maintain the right to request the deletion of this physical profile data from our systems at any time.
Anonymized Data for Research and Publication: Because our frameworks are science-based, we continually measure the effectiveness of our ecosystem. We may aggregate and anonymize your data, poll responses, and outcome metrics (e.g., the success rate of activity-based dates versus industry standards). This anonymized, non-identifiable data may be used for internal research, industry publications, and marketing purposes.
Analytics and Consent Optimization: We utilize Google Analytics (GA4) and the Reddit Pixel on our web pages to collect anonymized browsing data, helping us evaluate system performance and optimize your digital onboarding experience. In compliance with modern global data protection frameworks, we utilize an advanced automated privacy gateway. No analytical tracking cookies are deployed to your browser upon your initial visit. Tracking tokens are strictly restricted to a "denied" state until you provide explicit consent via our interface. You retain the absolute right to adjust your data boundaries or completely execute an Opt-Out at any time using our platform features.
Web3 and Blockchain Immutability
As you progress through the ecosystem, we may issue Web3 "Soulbound Tokens" (SBTs) to your connected digital wallet as permanent proof of your refinement milestones. Because blockchain ledgers are permanent, please be aware that any artifacts minted to a public blockchain cannot be erased by Hortiki Plants LLC. By connecting your wallet, you acknowledge the permanent nature of this public record, which is exempt from standard data deletion requests.
Email Communications vs. Membership Status
When you sign up for our waitlist or our digital membership, you grant us permission to email you regarding our products, services, and community updates. Please note that canceling your paid membership does not automatically unsubscribe you from our email marketing list. If you wish to stop receiving marketing emails, you must actively unsubscribe using the link provided at the bottom of those emails or request data deletion via info@refinerycollective.co.
Our Promise on Data Sharing & Vendor Partnerships
We will never sell your information to third parties, share your contact details without your explicit permission, or send you unrelated marketing from other companies. Your data is used exclusively to facilitate your journey within The Refinery. Furthermore, we do not share your physical audits or personal information with our third-party marketplace vendors indiscriminately. If you choose to purchase a specialized vendor service through our platform (e.g., a styling or skincare consultation), we will explicitly request your permission before transmitting any relevant profile data to that specific provider to ensure they can offer you the highest quality of service.
Your Global Rights
You have absolute control over your digital footprint within our ecosystem. You retain the right to access, modify, or request the deletion of your personal data in compliance with global standards.
International Data Transfers & Security
While our community is global, our primary servers and infrastructure are located in the United States. By using this platform, you consent to this transfer. We use enterprise-grade infrastructure (Google, Stripe, and Make.com) to protect your information, but please be aware that no internet transmission is 100% secure.
PART 2: TERMS OF USE
Content & Ecosystem Ownership
All content within The Refinery Collective—including the 6-Pillar frameworks, Clinical Reports, AI Dialogue Lab simulators, and website copy—is owned by Hortiki Plants LLC and protected by copyright. You may not reproduce, share, or create derivative works from our curriculum outside of our private channels without written permission.
The Digital Discretion & Non-Disparagement Agreement
To foster an environment of practice and vulnerability, we host anonymous "Listening Rooms" and blind profile reviews. Any screenshotting, recording, revealing of a member’s real-world identity, or unauthorized sharing of private information—including a member's profile, audio, avatar, or physical likeness—outside of our private channels is a material breach of this agreement, resulting in immediate termination and potential legal liability.
Code of Conduct, Community Integrity & Membership License
Access to The Refinery Collective is a revocable privilege, not a permanent right. Approved members receive a limited license to participate in our digital channels and physical events.
Our Standard of Kindness: The Refinery is explicitly designed as a space for positive community support. We enforce a strict "Standard of Kindness".
Zero Tolerance for Toxicity: This is not a place for toxic behaviors, hostility, harassment of other members, or violation of our vetting protocols.
Right of Revocation & Account Exit: We reserve the right to immediately cancel and terminate the membership license of anyone who fails to behave well or uphold these positive community standards. Upon cancellation or termination of your membership for any reason, your access privileges to our private Discord server will be immediately revoked and you will be removed from the community server.
Revocation of "Refined" Status for Off-Platform Circumvention
"Refinery Credits" and Matchmaking access are privileges tied strictly to protocol compliance. Attempting to circumvent our safety gates (such as soliciting off-platform meetings or phone numbers prior to earning your authorized in-person badge) or failing to show up for scheduled curated dates ("ghosting") violates this service agreement. This behavior may result in the immediate revocation of your "Refined" status and permanent removal from the matchmaking pool.
Geographic Pricing and Integrity of Billing
The Refinery Collective utilizes dynamic localized pricing (Purchasing Power Parity) to provide equitable access to our curriculum while sustaining the operational costs required to maintain a premium ecosystem. We do this because we want this ecosystem to be as accessible as possible; for instance, this ensures that a member in Bangkok does not have to pay the same rate as someone living in Singapore or New York.
The VPN Spoofing Policy: To provide the highest quality of service and ensure the matches and regional data make sense for you, we require honest geographic reporting. If a member utilizes a VPN, proxy server, or location-spoofing software to "game the system" and access a lower regional tier, it hinders our ability to serve the community effectively. Any discovery of pricing manipulation is a direct violation of our community integrity standards. We reserve the right to immediately and permanently cancel your membership, and you will not be eligible for any refunds.
Self-Directed Exercises & Personal Safety
Our curriculum includes general suggestions to practice social skills in the real world (e.g., initiating conversations, making eye contact, or exploring new hobbies). We do not mandate specific geographic locations or track your physical whereabouts. These are educational suggestions, and you are solely responsible for your own safety, situational awareness, and decision-making when leaving your home. We strongly advise using wisdom, common sense, and choosing safe, public environments that you are comfortable with. Hortiki Plants LLC assumes no liability for any incidents, injuries, or disputes that may occur during your self-directed, real-world activities.
Real-World Conduct and Respecting Boundaries
The purpose of The Refinery is to help you build confidence, enhance your life, and develop a healthy social ecosystem. However, when interacting with strangers in the real world, you are required to exercise wisdom, profound respect, and emotional intelligence. You must be receptive to social cues and gracefully accept rejection. You agree to never force engagement, harass, or make others uncomfortable. If an individual indicates they are not interested in interacting with you, you must respectfully disengage and back off immediately. While Hortiki Plants LLC is not liable for your offline behavior, any reports of harassing or toxic behavior off-platform represent a direct violation of our community standards and will result in the immediate revocation of your membership.
Physical Dates & Third-Party Vendor Liability
As part of the matchmaking milestones, we curate introductions and facilitate activity dates at partner vendor locations (such as museums, high-end bars, or gyms). We explicitly expand our limitation of liability to cover these real-world, off-platform activities. Hortiki Plants LLC is not liable for the conduct, safety, or physical injuries that may occur during in-person dates, community service outings, or interactions at third-party vendor locations.
Medical Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability
The frameworks and coaching provided by The Refinery Collective are educational tools designed to optimize social connection.
Not Medical Advice: We are not licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, or medical professionals. The information and curriculum we provide do not constitute medical or psychological advice.
Seek Professional Help: If you need additional support dealing with your mental and emotional health, we strongly encourage you to seek the help of a qualified, licensed professional. If you are experiencing a medical or psychological emergency, please contact your local emergency services immediately.
Assumption of Risk: Hortiki Plants LLC is not liable for any personal, relational, mental, emotional, or financial damages arising from your participation in our programs. You are solely responsible for your own social and romantic decisions, and you agree that you are using the information we provide strictly at your own choice and risk.
Background Check Disclaimer & Definition of "Vetting"
While we utilize AI sentiment analysis, human moderation, and third-party identity verification to curate a high-character community, Hortiki Plants LLC does not conduct formal state or federal criminal background checks on its members. Our "vetting" processes are designed to assess alignment with our community standards and behavioral protocols, not to guarantee absolute physical or emotional safety. You agree that you are solely responsible for taking appropriate safety precautions when interacting with other members, both digitally and in person.
No Guarantee of Results
The Refinery Collective provides educational frameworks, social coaching, and curated matchmaking opportunities. However, human connection is entirely subjective. Hortiki Plants LLC makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding your ultimate success, the number of matches you will receive, or your ability to secure a long-term romantic relationship or friendships through our ecosystem.
Indemnification
By participating in The Refinery Collective, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Hortiki Plants LLC, its founders, employees, social coaches, and third-party vendor partners from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including legal and attorney fees) arising out of or in any way connected with your violation of these Terms of Use, your violation of any third-party rights, or your offline conduct and interactions with other members or vendors.
Maximum Financial Liability Cap
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall the total, cumulative liability of Hortiki Plants LLC for any claims arising out of or relating to these Terms of Use or your use of The Refinery Collective exceed the total amount you have directly paid to Hortiki Plants LLC for your membership in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the liability.