The world of sports and beauty often intersects in fascinating ways, bringing inspiring personalities into the spotlight. Among those who have managed to carve out their distinct brand and professional legacy while remaining closely connected to elite basketball culture is Toriah Lachell. Widely recognized as the former partner of National Basketball Association superstar Jayson Tatum, she has built a reputation that extends far beyond her romantic history. She is a dedicated businesswoman, a master curl specialist, and the founder of a highly successful hair salon in New England.
Understanding her trajectory requires looking past tabloid headlines and focusing on her passion for hair health, her athletic background, and her devotion to motherhood. While many first learned about her through her link to the Boston Celtics star player, Toriah Lachell has continuously demonstrated remarkable resilience and independence. Today, her story is one of self-determination, professional mastery, and exemplary co-parenting. This detailed biography explores her early years, education, business achievements, personal relationships, and ongoing evolution as a modern American entrepreneur.
| Full Name | Toriah Lachell Mimms |
| Date of Birth | February 2000 |
| Place of Birth | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Current Residence | Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Master Hair Stylist, Curl Specialist |
| Business Owned | The Curl Bar Boston |
| Education | McCluer North High School; Cosmetology School (Boston, MA) |
| Specializations | DevaCurl Certified, Rezo Cut Certified, Cut It Kinky Alumna |
| Mother | Julie Gibbs |
| Stepfather | John Gibbs |
| Ex-Partner | Jayson Tatum (NBA Player, Boston Celtics) |
| Children | Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr. (born Dec 2017) |
Early Life and Family Background in Missouri
Born Toriah Lachell Mimms in February 2000, she spent her upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up in the Midwestern region of the United States shaped her grounded values and strong drive. She was raised primarily by her mother, Julie Gibbs, alongside her stepfather, John Gibbs, who played an instrumental role in supporting her ambitions during her formative years. Throughout her youth, her family provided a supportive environment that allowed her to explore athletic pursuits and creative talents.
During her teenage years in Missouri, Toriah Lachell exhibited a dynamic spirit and active lifestyle. She attended McCluer North High School in Florissant, Missouri, where she excelled as a multi-sport student-athlete. Her athletic prowess was evident through her participation in high school soccer and softball teams, demonstrating leadership and discipline. Her upbringing in St. Louis laid the essential groundwork for her future work ethic, balancing demanding physical activities with an emerging interest in beauty, aesthetics, and personal care.
High School Athletic Achievements and Early Ambitions
Her high school years were marked by significant competitive involvement on the field. At McCluer North High School, Toriah Lachell played varsity soccer throughout her secondary education, frequently filling offensive positions and contributing to her team’s success. In addition to soccer, she spent four years playing softball, advancing through junior varsity to become a key player on the varsity squad. Her high school sports career taught her team dynamics, consistency, and goal setting—skills that later proved essential when managing her own business enterprise.
While participating in competitive athletics, Toriah Lachell developed an intense curiosity about hair styling. She spent her spare time experimenting with natural textures and learning how to properly care for various hair patterns. This dual focus on sports and cosmetology gave her a well-rounded experience during her teenage years. By the time she approached graduation, her passion for natural hair care had evolved into a clear vision for her professional career path, prompting her to pursue specialized vocational training after high school.
High School Romance with NBA Star Jayson Tatum
The personal life of Toriah Lachell gained widespread public interest due to her high school romance with Jayson Tatum. The two crossed paths in St. Louis, Missouri, where Tatum attended the nearby Chaminade College Preparatory School. Bound by their shared age group, common athletic interests, and mutual friend circles, they began dating around 2014. Their teenage relationship flourished as Tatum rose to national prominence as a top-tier basketball recruit heading to Duke University.
Throughout Tatum’s rapid rise in college basketball and his subsequent selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, Toriah Lachell remained by his side. Their young relationship navigated the massive transition from Midwestern high school life to the intense national spotlight of professional basketball. However, as the demands of Tatum’s budding professional athletic career increased and life adjustments took hold, the pair ultimately decided to part ways as a romantic couple. Despite the end of their dating relationship, they maintained mutual respect and established a strong framework for long-term co-parenting.
Welcoming Son Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr.
A defining milestone in the life of Toriah Lachell occurred in December 2017 when she gave birth to her son, Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr.. At the age of 17, while Tatum was completing his rookie season with the Boston Celtics, she stepped into the challenging role of young motherhood. The birth of Deuce Tatum transformed her priorities, strengthening her focus on personal stability, financial independence, and professional development.
Following his birth, Deuce Tatum quickly became a fan favorite among basketball enthusiasts and Boston sports fans. His presence courtside at NBA games and his charming interactions with players made him an internet phenomenon. Behind the scenes, Toriah Lachell focused on providing him with a structured, loving, and grounded upbringing away from unnecessary media intrusion. Her maternal dedication ensured that her son enjoyed a balanced childhood while benefiting from the presence of both supportive parents.
Professional Education and Cosmetology Certifications
Recognizing that long-term success required formal technical training, Toriah Lachell moved to Massachusetts to pursue higher education in beauty and hair care. She enrolled in a prestigious cosmetology program in Boston in 2017, completing her formal studies in 2018. Rather than adopting general beauty techniques, she chose to specialize specifically in natural, textured, and curly hair care—a specialized field that requires specialized techniques and scientific knowledge.
To further refine her craft, Toriah Lachell completed advanced certifications through world-renowned curl systems. She earned certification as a DevaCurl certified stylist, studied through the Cut it Kinky educational platform, and mastered the specialized Rezo Cut method. These rigorous training programs allowed her to understand the complex geometry, hydration requirements, and structural characteristics of textured hair. Armed with advanced certifications and hands-on experience, she began building a loyal client base across the New England region.
Founding The Curl Bar Boston
In pursuit of her business ambitions, Toriah Lachell launched her signature business enterprise, The Curl Bar Boston, located in Massachusetts. Established as a luxury natural hair salon, the business was designed to meet the growing demand for specialized curl care. Her vision was to create an inclusive, educational, and empowering space where clients could learn to love, maintain, and style their natural hair textures.
Under the leadership of Toriah Lachell, The Curl Bar Boston evolved into a thriving beauty destination. The salon offers customized dry cutting, shape transformations, hydration treatments, and deep educational consultations. Through systematic styling procedures and personalized home-care routines, the salon built a stellar reputation among textured-hair communities. Her success as a salon owner demonstrated her business savvy and reaffirmed her reputation as a self-made entrepreneur in the competitive beauty industry.
Signature Hair Services and Specialty Care
The operational success of The Curl Bar Boston relies directly on the specialized techniques championed by Toriah Lachell. Unlike traditional salons that approach hair cutting using wet-hair techniques, her studio prioritizes specialized dry-cutting tailored to individual curl patterns. This approach ensures that every haircut accommodates the unique shrinkage, density, and elasticity of natural curls.
Core Treatments Offered at Her Studio:
- Custom Dry Curl Cutting: Precision cutting designed to shape natural curls in their dry, natural state.
- Hydration and Detox Treatments: Deep cleansing treatments formulated to remove product buildup and restore optimal moisture balance.
- Rezo Cut Transformations: Advanced technical cutting methods used to create volume and maintain hair length.
- Client Educational Consultations: One-on-one instructional sessions teaching proper application methods for home maintenance.
By standardizing these premium offerings, Toriah Lachell ensured her salon stood out as a leader in curl health, drawing clients seeking specialized expertise.
Serving High-Profile Clients and Celebrity Recognition
As the reputation of The Curl Bar Boston expanded, the client roster of Toriah Lachell began to include notable public figures, athletes, and media personalities. Her technical expertise and professional discretion made her salon a trusted space for high-profile individuals. Notably, public figures like world-famous comedian and television host Trevor Noah have visited her salon for professional hair maintenance, sharing photos of the experience on social media.
Despite the glamour associated with celebrity visits, Toriah Lachell maintains an equal commitment to everyday clients seeking natural hair care solutions. Her ability to seamlessly blend celebrity appeal with approachable, community-centered service has strengthened her brand authority. This diverse client base has allowed her salon to thrive independently of her past personal ties, confirming her status as a respected beauty expert in Boston.
Modern Co-Parenting with Jayson Tatum
One of the most admired aspects of the life of Toriah Lachell is her successful co-parenting partnership with Jayson Tatum. Although many relationships between high-profile figures deteriorate after a separation, she and Tatum have maintained a positive, collaborative approach to raising their son. They frequently coordinate schedules to ensure that Deuce Tatum enjoys regular, meaningful quality time with both parents.
This mature co-parenting arrangement allows Deuce Tatum to attend his father’s NBA games regularly while maintaining a stable home life and routine with his mother in Boston. Observers, fans, and media commentators frequently praise Toriah Lachell for placing her son’s well-being above personal differences. Her ability to manage shared parental responsibilities alongside her full-time career as a salon owner serves as an inspiring example of effective co-parenting.
Digital Presence and Social Media Impact
In addition to running a physical storefront, Toriah Lachell leverages social media to expand her reach and share professional knowledge. Through the official Instagram page for The Curl Bar Boston, she regularly showcases client before-and-after transformations, shares product recommendations, and posts tutorials on proper hair care routines. Her engaging visual content has built a large online audience interested in curly hair care.
Her digital strategy focuses on authenticity, authority, and educational value. Rather than relying on sensationalism or personal gossip, Toriah Lachell uses her platform to highlight hair science, product ingredients, and proper application techniques. This focus has established her as a trusted digital voice within the wider beauty community, driving ongoing client bookings and digital engagement.
Financial Independence and Business Success
Through her business ventures and salon work, Toriah Lachell has established financial self-sufficiency. While online estimates of her exact net worth vary across media outlets—often estimating her wealth around $1 million to $2 million—her primary income stems from her salon operations, master classes, and specialized styling services.
Her journey highlights the power of specialized skill sets in modern entrepreneurship. By targeting an underserved segment of the beauty market—curly and textured hair—Toriah Lachell built a sustainable business model. Her financial autonomy underscores her determination to build an independent career as a businesswoman.
Personal Values and Advocacy for Natural Hair
At the core of the work done by Toriah Lachell is a passion for self-acceptance and natural beauty advocacy. For generations, individuals with textured hair faced societal pressure to conform to straight-hair beauty standards through harsh chemical treatments. Her mission centers on helping clients embrace their natural pattern, texture, and volume.
Her salon operates as an educational hub where clients gain the confidence needed to care for their natural hair. Through workshops, personalized care guides, and one-on-one sessions, Toriah Lachell actively advances natural hair advocacy. This focus on empowerment has created a loyal client base that values her technical skills and commitment to authentic hair care.
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Managing a growing business while raising a child requires organization, endurance, and clear personal boundaries. Toriah Lachell balances the daily duties of running The Curl Bar Boston with active involvement in her son’s daily life, school activities, and extracurricular pursuits. She frequently structure her work schedule to ensure she remains present for key moments in his growth.
Her ability to juggle her responsibilities as a single working mother has earned her widespread respect. She often highlights the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing mental health, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By managing both roles effectively, Toriah Lachell provides an inspiring example for working mothers navigating career goals and parenting.
Future Plans and Brand Expansion
Looking to the future, Toriah Lachell continues to explore new avenues for career growth and brand expansion. As demand for textured hair services grows across the country, she has signaled interest in introducing signature product lines, launching online training academies, and hosting educational workshops for up-and-coming stylists.
Her goals involve scaling her business while maintaining the high service standards that define The Curl Bar Boston. Given her past accomplishments and reputation in the industry, her future endeavors are set to further solidify her standing as a prominent entrepreneur in the beauty space. Her strategic approach ensures that her brand will continue growing for years to come.
Key Achievements and Milestones
To better appreciate the career path of Toriah Lachell, it is helpful to look at her key achievements and life milestones sequentially:
- 2014: Began dating NBA prospect Jayson Tatum while attending high school in St. Louis, Missouri.
- 2017: Completed high school at McCluer North High School as an active student-athlete in soccer and softball.
- December 2017: Welcomed her son, Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr., entering motherhood at age 17.
- 2018: Graduated from cosmetology school in Boston and obtained elite curl certifications including DevaCurl, Rezo Cut, and Cut it Kinky.
- 2019–Present: Founded and successfully expanded The Curl Bar Boston, serving diverse clients including celebrity figures like Trevor Noah.
Conclusion
The story of Toriah Lachell is a compelling narrative of personal ambition, professional skill, and devotion to family. While initial media attention focused on her connection to Jayson Tatum, she has successfully built an independent professional legacy through her mastery of natural hair styling and business leadership. Through The Curl Bar Boston, she has transformed her long-standing passion into a thriving enterprise that empowers individuals to embrace their natural hair textures.
At the same time, her balanced approach to co-parenting her son Deuce Tatum showcases her maturity, grace, and commitment to family. As she expands her business presence, launches new beauty initiatives, and serves as an inspiring figure for working mothers, Toriah Lachell proves that independent success comes from passion, hard work, and clear direction. Her future in the beauty industry remains exceptionally bright.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Toriah Lachell?
Toriah Lachell (born Toriah Lachell Mimms) is an American entrepreneur, certified hair stylist, and curl specialist. She is the owner of The Curl Bar Boston and is also known as the ex-girlfriend of NBA star Jayson Tatum.
How old is Toriah Lachell?
Toriah Lachell was born in February 2000 in St. Louis, Missouri.
What business does Toriah Lachell own?
She owns and operates The Curl Bar Boston, a luxury hair salon located in Massachusetts that specializes in natural curls, dry cuts, and specialized hair care treatments.
Who is the child of Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum?
They share a son named Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr., who was born in December 2017.
Are Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum still together?
No, Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum ended their romantic relationship shortly after the birth of their son in 2017. However, they maintain a collaborative co-parenting relationship.
What certifications does Toriah Lachell hold?
She holds several professional cosmetology certifications specializing in textured hair, including DevaCurl certification, Rezo Cut certification, and credentials from the Cut it Kinky educational platform.
Where is Toriah Lachell currently based?
While raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she currently resides and operates her business in Boston, Massachusetts.
