About Us

About Us: My Journey & Community Impact

Welcome! At Kiss Photography, we're more than just a mobile photobooth; we're part of a larger, heartfelt mission to empower communities and spread joy. My personal journey began with a simple idea in Billings, Montana, and has blossomed into a multifaceted effort to enhance mobility and foster connection for those around me.

My Journey: From Bikes to Booths and Beyond

When I moved to Billings in 2016, I quickly recognized a significant need: there was no accessible bicycle program for individuals without reliable transportation. Determined to make a change, I took direct action. I started by running ads and collecting donated bicycles, then held DIY repair workshops three times a week. My goal was to teach people how to restore and fix their own bikes, providing them with reliable transportation at no cost. Over time, I proudly gave away nearly 100 bikes through this program, ensuring transportation equity for underserved individuals. Additionally, I was able to donate 80 bikes and several part bikes to a local Reservation, further extending the impact to communities with limited mobility resources.

This grassroots effort organically evolved into Billings Environmentally Sustainable Transportation (BEST), operating as Repedal, a nonprofit committed to making cycling accessible to everyone, regardless of income or background.

Recognizing a growing need for long-term sustainable mobility solutions, I expanded our mission by launching EcoRideMT.com, an e-commerce store specializing in top-quality electric bikes. EcoRideMT isn't just a business; it directly helps fund Repedal’s mission. Every sale allows us to continue providing free bikes, bicycle education, and transportation solutions to underserved individuals. We deeply believe that mobility empowers opportunity, and everyone deserves access to reliable transportation.

Beyond the world of bikes, my work centers around creating community-building experiences. This is precisely where Kiss Photography comes in. Our unique mobile photobooth, charmingly housed in a 1993 Ford E-350 Champion, allows us to bring accessible moments of joy and connection directly to community festivals, schools, and local gatherings. By creating these fun, shared experiences, we help strengthen the social fabric of our city. After a few sad attempts at joining the traditional workforce, it became clear to me that local job income alone just doesn't provide enough for rent, let alone the joys of biking, walking, fishing, and exploring the markets in Helena. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and created Kiss Photography!

Our Mission and Sustainability

Repedal and its programs, including Kiss Photography and EcoRideMT, are structured to generate funds that flow directly back into our charitable work. We are legally registered in Montana and hold our business license, actively working toward securing federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This sustainable model allows us to continue our vital work for the community.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and helping us create a more sustainable, connected, and empowered world.