PARAMOUNT, California — March 31 marks the 24th anniversary of the death of Tejano star Selena Quintanilla.

• It takes 3 hours to create Selena’s look
• Peralta has impersonated Selena for 4 years
• Selena died March 31, 1995

Selena was shot and killed by the president of her fan club on March 31, 1995.

A lifelong fan is helping keep the singer’s memory alive. Monica Peralta of Paramount, California, has been impersonating Selena for four years.

It takes Peralta about three hours to perfect Selena’s look.

“The most important part for me is the eyes. She would smile with her eyes, so I take my eyeliner and extend it out more,” said Peralta.

Peralta makes many of the costumes herself. When she hits the stage, Peralta transforms into Selena. Her first performance as Selena was at a tribute event in Corpus Christi, Selena’s hometown.   

“It was the best time that I ever had. It was my first time and I was really nervous and ever since then I’ve been doing this,” said Peralta.

Off stage, Monica is a mother and a college graduate. She is preparing to apply to graduate school to fulfill her dream of becoming a guidance counselor.

“Believing the impossible is always possible, that was one of her famous quotes that I personally go by all the time," she said. 

She says impersonating Selena isn’t just a hobby, it is her way of paying tribute to the Tejano legend.