Toriah Lachell is a highly successful American entrepreneur, certified hair specialist, and the founder of The Curl Bar Boston. While she first gained public recognition as the high school sweetheart of NBA superstar Jayson Tatum and the mother of their son, Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr., Lachell has since carved out a powerful independent identity as a leading expert in the natural hair care industry. Today, she is a respected business owner who has successfully balanced high-profile co-parenting with a thriving professional career.

Toriah Lachell Profile Summary

For a quick glance at the essentials, here is the profile summary for Toriah Lachell as of 2026:

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Toriah Lachell Mimms
Date of Birth	February 6, 2000
Birthplace	St. Louis, Missouri
Profession	Entrepreneur, Master Hair Specialist
Business	The Curl Bar Boston
Education	McCluer North High School; Cosmetology School (Boston)
Child	Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr.
Current Residence	Boston, Massachusetts
Known For	Specialized curl care and co-parenting with Jayson Tatum

Who is Toriah Lachell?

Toriah Lachell (born Toriah Lachell Mimms) is much more than a “celebrity ex.” In the world of beauty and entrepreneurship, she is known as a Master Curl Specialist. After moving to Boston to be closer to the father of her child, she transformed her passion for hair into a luxury brand that serves both everyday clients and high-profile celebrities.

Lachell has been praised for her “low-key” approach to fame. Unlike many individuals associated with professional athletes, she has avoided the reality TV circuit, choosing instead to focus on her craft and her son. This dedication to her business and family has earned her a loyal following and deep respect within the Boston community.

Toriah’s Early Life & Education

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Toriah grew up in a supportive household with her mother, Julie Gibbs, and her stepfather, John Gibbs. From a young age, Toriah was an athlete herself. She attended McCluer North High School, where she was a standout player on the varsity soccer and softball teams.

Her interest in hair wasn’t just a hobby; it was a necessity born from her own experiences. Growing up with natural curls, she spent years learning how to manage her texture in a world that often prioritized chemically relaxed hair. After high school, while navigating the challenges of an early pregnancy, she made the pivotal decision to enroll in cosmetology school in Boston. She graduated in 2018, shortly after her son was born, proving her resilience and work ethic.

How She Met Jayson Tatum

The story of Toriah and Jayson is a classic “high school sweetheart” tale. The two met in St. Louis while attending different schools (Jayson was at Chaminade College Preparatory School). They began dating in 2014, long before Tatum was a household name or a first-round NBA draft pick.

Their relationship was a staple of their teenage years, with both being heavily involved in sports. During this time, they were frequently seen together at school events and games. Friends from that era describe them as a dedicated couple who supported each other’s early athletic ambitions.

Toriah and Jayson Tatum’s Relationship

Toriah and Jayson’s relationship spanned approximately three years, a period that saw Jayson’s transition from a high school phenom to a Duke University star and eventually a top NBA prospect. However, the pressures of a burgeoning professional career and the transition to adulthood took a toll on the young couple.

While rumors of infidelity circulated in tabloid media during their split, neither Toriah nor Jayson has ever publicly confirmed the specific reasons for their breakup. They have consistently chosen to maintain a level of privacy that protects their family dynamic.

Pregnancy and the Birth of Deuce Tatum

In 2017, as Jayson was preparing for the NBA Draft, the couple learned they were expecting. Jayson has since admitted in interviews (such as with Graham Bensinger) that he was “terrified” at the time, fearing that becoming a young father would derail his career.

Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., affectionately known as Deuce, was born on December 6, 2017. Despite the couple no longer being romantically involved at the time of his birth, Jayson was present and committed from day one. Deuce has since become an NBA icon in his own right, frequently seen courtside at Celtics games and during post-game press conferences, often stealing the spotlight from his father.

Are Toriah and Jayson Still Together?

No, Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum are not together romantically and have not been for several years. However, they are frequently cited as one of the best examples of healthy co-parenting in the public eye.

Toriah moved to Boston specifically to ensure Deuce could grow up with a present father. They often celebrate Deuce’s milestones together, and Toriah is a frequent attendee at major Celtics games, supporting the father of her child from the stands while maintaining her own independent life.

How Toriah Became a Curly Hair Specialist

Toriah’s career path was sparked by her own “hair journey.” After years of using relaxers, she decided to embrace her natural texture but found a lack of stylists who truly understood curly hair.

She sought out specialized training beyond standard cosmetology school, becoming:

• DevaCurl Certified
• Rezo Cut Certified
• Cut It Kinky Alumna

She spent years documenting her work on Instagram, building a portfolio that focused on “empowering” curls rather than just “taming” them. This specialized niche allowed her to stand out in a crowded market.

Toriah Lachell’s Hair Salon: The Curl Bar Boston

In 2021, Toriah opened The Curl Bar Boston. The salon is more than just a place for a haircut; it is an educational hub. Lachell’s mission is to teach her clients how to love and maintain their hair at home.

The salon has become a destination for those with 2C to 4C hair patterns. Its success has even attracted celebrity clients, including world-renowned comedian Trevor Noah, who visited the salon for a “curl experience.” The business has expanded to include the “Curl Bar Curl Course,” a digital case study designed for those who cannot visit the Boston location in person.

Toriah Lachell’s Net Worth

As of 2026, Toriah Lachell’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million to $2 million. While this is modest compared to Jayson Tatum’s multi-million dollar NBA contracts, it is a significant achievement for a self-made entrepreneur in the service industry. Her income is generated through:

1. Salon Revenue: The Curl Bar is a high-end, high-demand studio.
2. Educational Courses: Selling digital hair care knowledge.
3. Brand Partnerships: Collaborating with hair care product lines.

Is Toriah Lachell Dating Anyone Now?

Toriah is notoriously private about her romantic life. Since her split from Tatum, she has not been publicly linked to anyone else. Her social media presence is strictly focused on two things: her business and her son. While Jayson Tatum has been linked to high-profile figures like singer Ella Mai, Toriah seems content to keep her personal life out of the headlines, focusing on her “glow up” as a businesswoman and mother.

Final Thoughts

Toriah Lachell is a masterclass in modern independence. While her connection to Jayson Tatum provided an initial platform, her talent as a hair specialist and her acumen as a business owner are what have sustained her. By turning a personal struggle with hair care into a thriving Boston institution, she has proved that she is a force to be reckoned with—on or off the court. You can read also this interesting post Who Is Samara Saraiva.

FAQs

Why is Toriah Lachell famous? She is famous for being the mother of Deuce Tatum and the ex-girlfriend of Jayson Tatum. However, she is also a prominent entrepreneur and the founder of The Curl Bar Boston.

Were Toriah and Jayson married? No, they were never married. They were high school sweethearts who dated for several years before parting ways shortly after their son was born.

How old is Toriah Lachell? Born on February 6, 2000, Toriah is currently 26 years old in 2026.

Is Toriah active on social media? Yes, but primarily for business. You can find her work on Instagram at @thecurlbarboston and @hairbytoriahlachell. Her personal accounts are often kept private.

Where does Toriah Lachell live now? She currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts, where she operates her business and co-parents her son.

What is Deuce Tatum’s real name? His full name is Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr.

What services does The Curl Bar Boston offer? The salon specializes in curly haircuts, botanical treatments, curl-by-curl shaping, and hair care education.

Did Toriah play sports in school? Yes, she played varsity soccer and softball at McCluer North High School.

Does Toriah have a YouTube channel? While she doesn’t have a traditional vlog channel, she provides extensive video-based education through her salon’s digital platforms.

How does Toriah handle co-parenting? By all public accounts, she and Jayson maintain a very positive and supportive relationship focused entirely on the well-being of their son, Deuce.