Married At First Sight bride Katie Johnstone's journey into the limelight began long before her TV debut, right in her Queensland hometown. The 37-year-old restaurant owner, who was brutally rejected on camera by her groom Tim Gromie, made several surprise media appearances before her MAFS stint, in relation to her business. In 2020, Katie tearfully recounted to the Courier Mail her devastation after discovering her Sunshine Coast restaurant had been robbed during Covid lockdowns, with thieves making off with iPads and cash.

The incident highlighted her deep ties to the community as owner of the EATS Restaurant in Eumundi. Two years prior, Katie bravely penned an open letter in the Sunshine Coast Daily to bullies on Noosa's beaches, who had targeted her with hurtful comments about her appearance. Her response achieved overwhelming public support and shed light on the issue of public harassment. Married At First Sight bride Katie Johnstone's journey into the limelight began long before her TV debut, right in her Sunshine Coast hometown. Pictured in 2021.

The entrepreneur has also been celebrated for her creativity and environmental consciousness. Her Eco Bling creations, made from recycled materials, earned her recognition and a spot as a panellist at the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival, proving her versatility beyond the reality TV drama. Earlier this week, the reality TV star provided fans with a post-show update after a less-than-stellar start to married life.

Katie was mercilessly rejected by groom Tim Gromie who said he would have preferred to be matched with a 'petite blonde.'. Ever the optimist however, Katie persisted to form a connection with Tim during their awkward honeymoon in Tasmania's Cradle Mountain. However, six months on from filming her reality show tilt, Katie has been busy working on her self-empowerment. She was recently the subject of a stunning photoshoot at Studio Republic, which shows the bride positively glowing.

Studio Republic is an empowerment photography studio aimed at bringing out confidence in its subjects. The 37-year-old restaurant owner, who was brutally rejected on camera by her groom Tim Gromie, made several surprise media appearances before her MAFS stint. In 2020, Katie tearfully recounted her devastation after discovering her restaurant had been robbed during Covid lockdowns, with thieves making off with iPads and cash.

Following the session, the studio shared a video of Katie that showed her discussing her post-MAFS life. In perhaps a telling statement, Katie said in the video her current focus was being 'her own soul mate.'. 'The only person I want to manifest love for is myself right now,' she said. 'I feel like if your cup's full, then it can overflow you.'. Katie added that after her reality TV stint she has been working on feeling comfortable in her own skin.