Celebrating Our 2025 Remarkable Woman

SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) – News Channel 8 received hundreds of applications highlighting extraordinary women making a difference in our community. After careful consideration, an esteemed panel of judges selected the winner of our “Remarkable Women” contest.

Michelle Brantley Machuca was voted as the 2025 Remarkable Woman for her dedication to helping breast cancer survivors reclaim their confidence and feel like themselves again.

After a months-long campaign celebrating extraordinary women, several journalists from WFLA News Channel 8 and SNN, surprised Michelle at her business, SeaChelles, LLC with flowers, treats, and the big news.

Michelle’s Mission

In a heartwarming surprise, Michelle’s reaction was filled with shock and, understandably, a bit of confusion as we shared the news.

“I know you must be stunned, you must have no idea what’s going on,” News Channel 8’s Paola Suro told Michelle as she handed her a bouquet of flowers.

Michelle, who helps breast cancer survivors feel whole again through her work tattooing 3D areolas, was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer in 2012.

She was almost 42 years old and a full-time substitute teacher. That career quickly shifted after enduring five months of chemotherapy, 33 daily radiation treatments, and a double mastectomy.

Michelle’s journey took an unexpected turn. Instead of being a victim of her circumstances, she turned her experience into a mission to help others.

“That following day I woke up and I was surprised I was still here,” she said. “I thought that was my moment.”

She went from sitting on a chemo chair to owning her own tattoo chair.

“I couldn’t afford to do my areolas, and there really wasn’t anyone around that could. The nearest person was in Maryland. There wasn’t anyone around here so I did it myself. I tattooed them,” she added.

Michelle began tattooing 3D areolas for other breast cancer survivors. It’s a service that many women can’t afford.

That’s why her husband, Demar, nominated her for the contest.

“For a woman, her breasts are a big deal in being a complete person. Usually that’s the final stage and when you complete that, you see the light and how they react,” Demar said. “It feels like that part is left behind and a new chapter has started.”

As Michelle explains, “It’s that first glimpse of it after you get out of the shower, and you think, I can put it behind me. I can be normal again.”

Demar’s nomination was a gesture that was as surprising to Michelle as the announcement itself. “She doesn’t ask for any credit,” Demar said. “She has her shop. She loves it. I was like, ‘You know what? I can only recognize her so much as her husband.’ Thank you all for giving her this opportunity. I know it means a lot to her.”

Michelle plans to use her $1,000 award for her newly launched nonprofit, which will help women who can’t afford 3D areola tattoos. “This money will be wonderful for women who can’t afford this,” Michelle shares. “That’s going to be wonderful.”

Michelle will soon head to California, where she will meet other remarkable women from around the country and share her inspiring story.

Michelle’s journey, marked by resilience and determination, proves that one woman can indeed make a difference in the lives of so many others. Her dedication to helping breast cancer survivors reclaim their confidence is a shining example of strength and compassion.

Stay tuned as Michelle heads to California, and follow her continued mission to inspire and uplift those who need it most.