Why I Named My App Bonsai
The personal story behind the name and philosophy of Bonsai
I've always believed that memories deserve to be cherished, not compromised. But as our digital lives expand, our devices and cloud storage struggle to keep up. That's why I built Bonsai—a simple yet powerful app designed to reduce video sizes without losing their essence, allowing you to store more without sacrificing the past. The name Bonsai, however, is not just a metaphor; it's deeply personal.
The Seed of an Idea
Long before I ever thought of creating an app, I was introduced to the world of Bonsais by my mother, Sharadha. She cared for them with an attention that went beyond gardening; it was an art, a practice of patience, and above all, a philosophy. Each tree in her collection had a story—she knew their personalities, their histories, and their growth patterns with an almost parental affection. Some of her Bonsais are older than I am, carrying with them years of meticulous care, growth, and transformation.
I remember watching her tend to her Banyan Bonsais, eagerly awaiting the moment when tiny aerial roots would descend from the branches and finally touch the soil. That moment, to her, was a triumph—a testament to time, care, and resilience. She didn't just shape her Bonsais to be small; she cultivated them to hold more meaning in their miniature form.
More Space for More Memories
This philosophy struck a chord with me when I started thinking about digital storage. The videos we take—moments frozen in time—are precious, but they shouldn't weigh us down. I wanted to create something that lets people keep their memories intact while making room for new ones. That's what Bonsai does. It takes your large videos and gently trims them down, preserving their essence while giving you more space to breathe. It's not just about saving storage; it's about making space for more life, just as a Bonsai tree isn't small because it matters less, but because it carries more weight in its delicate form.
Cultivating a Better Digital Garden
Bonsais require care, and so do our digital memories. With Bonsai, I wanted to offer a way to tend to your video library with the same intention—with an appreciation for what stays while making space for what's next. Whether it's freeing up storage on your iPhone, optimizing your iCloud space, or avoiding the need for expensive upgrades, Bonsai ensures that your digital garden remains well-pruned and flourishing.
So, every time you use Bonsai, you're not just compressing a video. You're preserving what matters, making space for more, and embracing the art of careful cultivation—just like a Bonsai.
Welcome to a world where your memories can stay light without losing their depth.