Meet the co-founder behind the new app that makes it easy for you to be kind
Kindness really does make the world go round. It’s an infectious energy that naturally inspires anyone it comes in contact with, whether they’re conscious of it or not. The world could always use more of it and KOYA was built to do just that. KOYA is a mobile app that lets you surprise your friends and family, no matter where they are in the world, with a gift.
The app is family owned and I think its so adorable to see a family come together to release a project with a focus on spreading kindness. I had the wonderful opportunity to interview one of the app’s co founders, Courtney via email and get to know a little more about her, the vision of KOYA and more.
Q: So tell me a little about yourself. Describe who Courtney is with 4 adjectives.
I am empathetic, creative, goofy (when people truly know me), and kind.
Q: What impact do you plan on having on the world with KOYA?
Our desire is to alleviate relational poverty through KOYA. We believe that authentic moments of connection have the ability to make people feel seen and less alone.
Q: So KOYA is a family company, which is really beautiful to see your desire to spread kindness around the world. Who came up with the name and what inspired it?
I am so grateful to work with my family. This definitely comes with challenges, but ultimately it is a gift and I am happy for the opportunity to grow together!
We were brainstorming for a few days and my older sister, Caryn, came up with the name! KOYA stands for Kindness of YA and it just felt right.
Q: There seems to be a collective shift towards compassion and kindness, despite what the media will have us believe. What would you tell the naysayers, who don’t believe in the power of kindness?
It is my understanding that people criticize what they don’t know. Those that don’t believe in the power of kindness probably haven’t experience genuine kindness. Consequently, they need kindness the most and I hope to have the opportunity to meet them with just that.
Q: Describe your vision of a kinder world. Do you see world peace in this vision?
To me, a kinder world simply looks like loving the people in front of us – one person at a time. I believe that peace is the natural progression of loving our neighbor as ourselves. So, yes! World peace is inherently part of the vision.
Q: One last question. What advice would you give to someone who wants to make the world better but is unsure of where to start.
Look in the mirror. That person staring back at you is the first and last person you will see everyday. Love this person well and then open your front door. There are so many people craving love and acceptance in the world. When you love yourself, that love naturally spills over.
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” – Mother Teresa
