Cuffy

Cristel Cuffy was born in Toronto, Ontario, as a first generation Canadian of West Indian descent.  She served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly 19 years as an infantry soldier. Retired honorably with Ceremonial Decoration and a Queen’s Jubilee medal. She experienced the privilege of being chosen to be part of the honour guard for royalty, as well has personally met and conversed with royalty on multiple occasions.  Served and protected as a Special Constable with the Toronto Police Service for over 23 years. 

 

After sustaining multiple life changing injuries during service in both of her careers, she was left permanently disabled and unable to work. She suffered silently with strong panic attacks, hyperactive reflexes, and a depression that made her feel a deep numbness and a sense of disconnection from the world. 

 

She survived alcoholism, joblessness, divorce, and homelessness and eventually found comfort and peace through the modality of mosaic diamond painting. What started off as a hobby turned into a rehabilitative passion. Finding her passion in art has addressed Cristel to finally learn how to relax into the ebb and flow of life. 

 

She is now the owner and founder of Tabono & Art, unifying purpose, strength and confidence. Every day Cristel practices becoming present through breath and body awareness, self-worth and personal empowerment practices on a daily basis.