Katarina Rea wanted to become Miss Michigan Teen Galaxy. Her parents helped her to prepare for the competition; she was taken to get lip injections and arranged for training with communications expert Don Baker. Don told her to eliminate junk food from her diet to stay in shape, but she refused to do so. When the big day arrived, Katarina felt intimidated with the looks and expertise of the other girls. Although she remained calm and collected throughout the competition, she failed to get a place.

Katarina was one of the beauty pageant contestants featured in MTV’s reality TV show, Tiara Girls.