Toriah Lachell is a name that often appears in headlines alongside NBA superstar Jayson Tatum, but her identity extends far beyond that connection. She’s a young entrepreneur, a skilled curly-hair specialist, and the proud mother of Deuce Tatum. What makes her story compelling isn’t her famous ex—it’s how she turned a challenging situation into a thriving career.
From becoming a mother at 17 to building a successful salon in Boston, Toriah has shown remarkable resilience and independence. She didn’t let her past define her; instead, she created a future on her own terms. This article explores the full story of Toriah Lachell—her early life, her journey through motherhood, her business success, and how she maintains a balanced life despite the public spotlight.
Quick Bio of Toriah Lachell
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Toriah Lachell (also known as Toriah Mimms) |
| Date of Birth | February 21, 2000 |
| Age | 26 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Hairstylist, Entrepreneur, Curl Specialist |
| Known For | Founder of The Curl Bar Boston; mother of Jayson Tatum’s son |
| Education | McCluer North High School; Cosmetology training in Boston |
| Certifications | DevaCurl, Rezo Cut, Cut It Kinky, Curl Conqueror |
| Business | The Curl Bar Boston |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Children | Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr. (born December 6, 2017) |
| Residence | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $2 million |
| Personality | Private, disciplined, introvert, focused |
Early Life and Family Background
Toriah Lachell was born on February 21, 2000, in St. Louis, Missouri . She grew up in a close family environment with her mother, Julie Gibbs, and her stepfather, John Gibbs, who played a significant role in her upbringing . While there are no public details about her biological father, she appears to share a strong bond with her stepdad, often appearing on his social media handles .
Her childhood was grounded in simple values and hard work. She attended McCluer North High School in Florissant, Missouri, where she was a dedicated athlete. She played varsity soccer throughout her four years and also spent time on the softball team—two years on junior varsity and two years on varsity . These early experiences in sports taught her discipline and teamwork, qualities that would serve her well in her future career.
Toriah Lachell’s Relationship with Jayson Tatum
How They Met
Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum met during their high school years in St. Louis . At the time, Tatum attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in Creve Coeur, Missouri . Their connection grew naturally from friendship into a relationship, and they became high school sweethearts. Their romance gained public attention when Toriah appeared in a Sports Illustrated feature wearing her prom dress alongside Tatum in 2015 .
Pregnancy and Birth of Deuce Tatum
In early 2017, Toriah became pregnant . For Tatum, who was preparing for the NBA Draft, the news was initially overwhelming. He has since admitted that he was more worried about getting drafted than he was about becoming a dad at first . The Boston Celtics star revealed he hid the pregnancy from his teammates, coaches, and even the Celtics’ president Brad Stevens, fearing it might affect his draft position .
“I was selfish at first, honestly. I was more worried about getting drafted than I was about being a dad, because my whole life I had dreamed about going to the NBA.” — Jayson Tatum
Toriah moved to Boston while eight months pregnant to be closer to Tatum as he began his rookie season . Their son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr. , affectionately known as Deuce, was born on December 6, 2017 . Toriah was just 17 years old at the time, while Tatum was 19 .
Breakup and Co-Parenting
After the birth of their son, Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum ended their relationship . The reasons for their split remain private, but the demands of a newborn, a budding NBA career, and the transition into adulthood likely contributed to the decision.
Despite the breakup, they have maintained a healthy co-parenting relationship . Toriah relocated to Boston to raise their son closer to his father, and Deuce has become a beloved fixture at Celtics games . Tatum has been linked to British singer Ella Mai since around 2020, while Toriah has remained single, focusing on her son and her business .
Life as a Young Mother
Becoming a mother at 17 was a pivotal moment for Toriah. She embraced the responsibility with remarkable maturity, making the conscious decision to move to Boston to ensure her son could have a strong relationship with his father . Her daily life centered around caring for Deuce while simultaneously planning for her future.
This balance of motherhood and personal ambition is one of the most inspiring parts of her story. She proved that teenage pregnancy doesn’t have to limit one’s potential; with determination and a clear vision, it can be the catalyst for growth. Deuce, now a familiar face at Celtics games, has grown up under the loving care of both his parents, who have prioritized his well-being above all else.
Toriah Lachell’s Career Journey
Finding Her Passion
Toriah’s journey into the beauty industry started with a personal struggle. Growing up, she didn’t know how to manage her natural curls and relied on relaxers . She began experimenting with her hair after watching YouTube tutorials and documented her work on Instagram . Others started noticing her skills and requesting help with their own curls.
“It pretty much started because once I was in middle school, high school, I always had a relaxer because I had no idea what to do.” — Toriah Lachell
Cosmetology Training and Certifications
In 2017, after moving to Boston and giving birth to Deuce, Toriah enrolled in cosmetology school . She graduated in 2018 and began specializing in curly and natural hair. To become a true expert, she invested in advanced certifications, including:
- DevaCurl certified stylist
- Rezo Cut certified
- Cut It Kinky Alumna
- Curl Conqueror
These certifications demonstrate her commitment to being one of the best in her field. She constantly seeks to further her education and improve her skills .
The Curl Bar Boston
In 2021, Toriah opened The Curl Bar Boston . Located in the Boston area, the salon focuses exclusively on curly and natural hair . Her goal was to create a safe and empowering space for clients, offering services like haircuts, styling, hydration treatments, and education on caring for curls at home.
The salon has grown steadily, attracting a loyal clientele and even celebrity clients like comedian Trevor Noah . She also offers an online curl course, “The Curl Bar Curl Course: Case Study,” reaching clients beyond the salon . This blend of in-person services and digital content has been key to her business success and financial independence.
Toriah Lachell’s Net Worth
Toriah Lachell has built her financial success through her salon business and professional services. Her income comes from The Curl Bar Boston, her online curl courses, and her growing brand presence.
Various sources estimate her net worth between $500,000 and $2 million . This range reflects the growth of her business and her continued expansion into digital education and brand building. She built her career independently, focusing on her craft and creating long-term stability for herself and her son .
Toriah Lachell’s Personality and Lifestyle
A Private Life Out of the Spotlight
Unlike many connected to public figures, Toriah Lachell prefers to stay out of the limelight. She keeps her personal life private and maintains a low profile on social media, using her accounts primarily to showcase her professional work .
She describes herself as an introvert and a homebody . Her lifestyle reflects simplicity and privacy. She avoids unnecessary attention and keeps her focus on her career and her son. This approach has helped her build a strong and respected image in the beauty industry.
Interesting Facts About Toriah Lachell
- She played varsity soccer for all four years of high school and also played softball .
- She has a sweet tooth and admits she’s addicted to chocolate cake .
- She enjoys listening to R&B and rates Tupac among her top five favorite rappers .
- Her favorite color is light pink, a soft touch reflected in her salon’s branding .
- She is a self-proclaimed “old soul” who enjoys spending hours browsing candle and notebook aisles at HomeGoods .
Why Toriah Lachell Is Inspiring
Toriah Lachell story is one of resilience and independence. She faced the challenges of teenage motherhood, navigated a public breakup, and simultaneously built a successful career from scratch. She didn’t rely on her connection to an NBA star for fame or fortune; instead, she used her skills, determination, and focus to create her own path.
Her journey shows that success can come from focus, patience, and a clear sense of direction. She has become a role model for young women who want to build a career while managing personal responsibilities.
Conclusion
Toriah Lachell is more than just the mother of an NBA star’s child. She is a self-made entrepreneur, a skilled hair specialist, and a dedicated mother who turned personal experience into a thriving business. From a young athlete in St. Louis to the owner of The Curl Bar Boston, her story is a testament to hard work and the power of creating your own identity.
Her ability to balance privacy with public curiosity, motherhood with ambition, and personal challenges with professional success makes her a truly inspiring figure. Toriah continues to build her brand and her life on her own terms, proving that your past doesn’t have to define your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Toriah Lachell?
Toriah Lachell is an American entrepreneur and curly-hair specialist, best known as the founder of The Curl Bar Boston and the mother of Jayson Tatum’s son, Deuce .
What is Toriah Lachell’s profession?
She is a professional hairstylist and business owner who specializes in curly and natural hair . She runs The Curl Bar Boston salon and also offers online curl education courses.
How old is Toriah Lachell?
She was born on February 21, 2000, making her 26 years old as of 2026 .
Does Toriah Lachell have a child?
Yes, she has a son, Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr., who was born on December 6, 2017 .
Are Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum together?
No, they are no longer together. They ended their relationship after their son was born and now co-parent him .
What is The Curl Bar Boston?
It is a salon in Boston founded by Toriah Lachell that focuses on curly and natural hair care services .
What is Toriah Lachell’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth ranges from $500,000 to $2 million, primarily from her salon and online curl education courses .
