When Patty Rodriguez launched an online petition, there was one clear mission: to release a “Selena Quintanilla for MAC” limited edition collection. Five months later, MAC Cosmetics gave the people (aka the almost 38,000 signatures collected) what they wanted. The makeup line announced on July 16th that they were indeed releasing a collection inspired by La Reina, writing “Like the legend herself, Selena Quintanilla’s fans are an inspiration to us all for their love and enthusiasm. It’s happening! We are excited to announce the M•A•C Selena Quintanilla collection, available in 2016.”

Cue in tears and adorably awkward Spanglish expressions of joy.

We spoke to the Selena enthusiast about what she expects from the upcoming line and how she feels knowing that she played a huge part in bringing the late singer’s iconic style to the fingertips and faces of loyal fans.

What do you think a makeup collection with a global beauty company like MAC means for the legacy of Selena, 20 years later?
It was long overdue. Selena is an American icon. She is the epitome of the American woman today. Having a brand like MAC recognize is proof of that. This is a huge testament of the power of the Latina consumer. We have a voice and it’s loud and clear. Other brands should take notice of what just happened here.

When you think of makeup and Selena, you definitely think of lipsticks. What kind of shade(s) do you imagine the lipsticks in the collection to be?
Lots of reds and I imagine some pinks too.

If you could pitch three names for the products, what would they be?
Amor Prohibido. Como La Flor. And Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.

Selena’s sister Suzette Quintanilla was quoted saying “If Selena were here she would be beyond ecstatic to have this happening. History is being made.” How do you feel as a fan knowing that you kickstarted a dream of hers?
It feels amazing. I still can’t wrap my head around this. This is something I had been working on since 2013 by pushing this over at MAC. This didn’t just happen with a petition; however, the petition solidified everything I was telling MAC for the past 2 years.

What does that mean to you as far as the power of Latinos as consumers in the beauty world?
It was definitely an out of the box way of getting the attention of MAC. But I am an out of box thinker. Nothing is impossible. The reaction the petition received is a small example of the power of the Latina consumer. This is more than just a makeup collection. This speaks volumes of how Latinos stand in the country.

Update, April 12: “Como la Flor” is scheduled for an October 2016 release, according to Chris Perez.