diff --git a/load_sample_data.sh b/load_sample_data.sh
index 7c36a7ed26..c692562c2d 100755
--- a/load_sample_data.sh
+++ b/load_sample_data.sh
@@ -63,6 +63,9 @@ function verify_loaded_data {
   fi
 }
 
+# Start the catalog (needed for data refresh process)
+just catalog/up
+
 load_sample_data "image"
 verify_loaded_data "image"
 load_sample_data "audio"