Rakha

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Rakha. I'm one of the founders of Kitama.

How would you describe what love means to you today?

Love, for me, is about presence. Not physical presence all the time, but emotional presence. It's the feeling that someone is there with you, even when they are not. Over time, I learned that love isn't proven by how often you talk, but by how intentionally you show up.

Was it always like that for you?

No. Earlier on, I thought love meant availability. Being there all the time, replying quickly, staying connected constantly. But being in a long-distance relationship changed that. With a twelve-hour time difference, that kind of love just wasn't possible. You have to learn another way.

Can you tell us about that relationship?

We were long-distance for five years. One of us lived the day while the other lived the night. There were weeks where we barely overlapped. It forced us to be thoughtful. You start asking yourself, "What can I leave behind for this person?" instead of "How can I be there right now?"

What were the biggest challenges?

Uncertainty. Misunderstandings. The feeling of missing important moments in each other's lives. Sometimes you question whether it's worth it. Distance has a way of amplifying doubt if you're not careful.

How did you deal with those moments of doubt?

By being honest. And by creating something that could outlast the moment. When things felt unstable, having something to return to helped. Words written during good times mattered even more during hard times.

Is that where the idea of Kitama started forming?

Yes, slowly. At first, it wasn't a product idea. It was just a feeling that there should be a better way to hold onto love. A place where moments don't get buried, where expressions are intentional.

What role does technology play in love, in your view?

Technology shouldn't rush love. It should slow it down. It should help us reflect, revisit, and remember. That's what I wanted Kitama to do. To give love a shape, not just a notification.

Looking back now, what did those five years teach you?

Patience. Care. And the understanding that love is something you build quietly over time. Not everything meaningful is visible in the moment.

What do you hope people feel when they use Kitama?

I hope they feel closer to the people they love. I hope they feel encouraged to express things they might otherwise keep to themselves. And one day, when they look back, I hope they're grateful they took the time to create something meaningful.