The story of Toriah Lachell is one that draws attention not just because of her early connection to NBA star Jayson Tatum, but because of her remarkable rise from a regular high school student to an influential figure in the beauty industry. While many people first learned her name due to her relationship with Jayson Tatum, her life today reflects independence, ambition, and quiet resilience. Her transformation is powerful—moving from a young athlete in Missouri to a respected curl-specialist and business owner in Boston. This article explores her journey step by step, showing how she built a meaningful life defined by passion, purpose, and personal strength.
Quick Bio Table Toriah Lachell
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Toriah Nicole Lachell |
| Birth Date | February 20/21, 2000 |
| Age (2026) | 26 years old |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Current Residence | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Profession | Curl specialist, cosmetologist, entrepreneur |
| Known For | Mother of Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr. |
| Salon Name | The Curl Bar Boston |
| Education | Cosmetology School (Graduated 2018) |
| Mother | Julie Gibbs |
| Children | One son — Jayson Christopher “Deuce” Tatum Jr. |
Early Life and the Foundation of Her Character
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, Toriah Lachell was a spirited and active child raised by her mother, Julie Gibbs, and her stepfather, John Gibbs. They provided her with stability and guidance while encouraging her to explore her talents. Even as a teenager, she stood out for her independence and drive. Her childhood environment helped shape a strong sense of identity—something that would later support her through motherhood, business challenges, and public attention tied to Jayson Tatum.
High School Years: A Student With a Competitive Spirit
During her time at McCluer North High School, Toriah Lachell became known for her involvement in sports. She played varsity soccer throughout her high school years and spent four seasons competing in softball. These activities strengthened her discipline and leadership qualities. Her athletic experiences also helped her develop confidence and teamwork skills that later benefited her business career. Although she was not overly focused on beauty or fashion at the time, the seeds of her future path were slowly being planted.
How Toriah Lachell Crossed Paths With Jayson Tatum
High school life became even more memorable for her when she met Jayson Tatum, who was emerging as a promising basketball talent. Their schools were close to each other, and their connection unfolded naturally over time. They began dating young, long before Tatum’s rise to NBA stardom. For years, they were seen as a supportive and grounded young couple, navigating school, sports, and early adulthood together. This chapter of her life would later bring public attention, but in the beginning, it was simply a story of two teenagers building a connection.
Young Love and the Challenges of Growing Up
Being in a relationship while both of them were evolving as individuals came with its own hurdles. When Tatum left Missouri to play basketball at Duke University, distance added pressure to their relationship. Fame, expectations, and the fast pace of his career introduced new challenges neither of them had experienced before. Despite their genuine care for one another, life eventually moved them in different directions. By the time they became parents, the weight of young adulthood became too heavy for their relationship to withstand.
Becoming a Mother: A Turning Point in Her Life
In December 2017, Toriah Lachell gave birth to their son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., widely known as “Deuce.” She became a mother at just 17, a life-altering moment that required maturity and strength far beyond her years. Instead of stepping back from her goals, she stepped forward. Only two weeks after delivering her son, she enrolled in cosmetology school in Boston. Her determination to continue her education while adjusting to motherhood showed a level of courage that people rarely see behind the spotlight.
Entering the Beauty World: Discovering a New Passion
Her fascination with natural hair did not happen overnight. For most of her childhood, she relied on relaxers because she didn’t yet understand how to manage her curls. This changed when she began experimenting with her texture, learning through trial and error. YouTube tutorials, hair forums, and self-practice helped her develop a genuine appreciation for natural hair. As she improved her own curls, others began noticing—and soon people were asking her for guidance. What began as personal exploration evolved into a calling.
Cosmetology School: Skill Building With Purpose
Once she moved to Boston, Toriah Lachell pursued formal training in cosmetology and graduated in 2018. Her dedication was intense—balancing schoolwork with motherhood was not easy, yet she committed herself wholeheartedly. She trained in advanced curly-hair techniques, including the DevaCurl method, Rezo Cut principles, and Cut It Kinky educational programs. These skills would later set her apart from many stylists in the industry, giving her the expertise needed to create a salon exclusively for curly-haired clients.
The Curl Bar Boston: Her Signature Achievement
The moment she opened The Curl Bar Boston, everything changed. It was more than a salon—it was her dream becoming reality. The space was created with one goal: helping people embrace their natural curls with confidence. Her salon offers specialized cutting, styling, and curl-education services. Clients appreciate her personalized approach, warm personality, and deep knowledge of curl patterns. Her business flourished quickly, proving that her passion aligned perfectly with the needs of her community.
Growth as an Entrepreneur and Educator
As her client base expanded, Toriah Lachell began teaching others how to care for curls at home. She launched her Curl Bar Curl Course, guiding people through step-by-step routines and demonstrating advanced techniques. Her educational programs reflect her belief that curly-haired people deserve both empowerment and understanding. These offerings also helped establish her reputation as a trusted expert, turning her salon into a hub for natural-hair education in Boston.
Co-Parenting With Jayson Tatum: A Relationship Built on Respect
Although Toriah and Jayson Tatum are no longer a couple, they share an effective and respectful co-parenting partnership. Their son Deuce spends time with each parent, enjoying a loving environment in both homes. Fans often see Deuce cheering courtside at Celtics games, but behind the scenes, Toriah provides him with a stable, nurturing routine. She avoids public drama and chooses peace, maturity, and privacy—an approach many admire.
Life Away From Gossip and Public Noise
Despite being connected to a global basketball star, Toriah Lachell maintains a low-profile lifestyle. Her social media feeds focus on her salon work rather than her personal life. She rarely discusses her relationships, avoids unnecessary attention, and keeps her priorities aligned with her goals. This sense of quiet confidence has become part of her public image—a refreshing contrast in a world obsessed with celebrity exposure.
Financial Stability and Expanding Opportunities
By 2026, Toriah Lachell has built a solid financial foundation. Her estimated net worth of around $2 million reflects years of consistent work, business success, and loyal clients. She continues to explore opportunities for expansion, including potential product lines and additional curl-education programs. Her financial progress is a testament to what dedication and passion can create, even when life begins with unexpected challenges.
A Woman Who Inspires Through Authenticity
What makes Toriah Lachell truly influential is not fame, but authenticity. She has never used her connection to Jayson Tatum to elevate her career. Instead, she built her own identity—an entrepreneur, a stylist, a mother, and a woman with unwavering determination. Her journey is powerful because it shows that success does not come from shortcuts but from genuine effort, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning.
Final Thoughts
The transformation of Toriah Lachell from a high school student in Missouri to a respected curl specialist in Boston is nothing short of inspiring. Her story blends motherhood, ambition, personal growth, and quiet strength. Although her link to Jayson Tatum brought her early attention, her achievements today stand firmly on their own. She continues to shape her future with purpose, proving that true empowerment comes from pursuing your passion and building a life defined by your own values. Her journey is a reminder that every challenge can become a powerful stepping stone toward something extraordinary.
FAQs
1. Why is Toriah Lachell often mentioned alongside Jayson Tatum?
She and Jayson Tatum dated during their teenage years and share a son, Deuce. Their early relationship brought public attention, but today she is recognized for her own accomplishments in the beauty industry, not just for being linked to the NBA star.
2. What inspired Toriah Lachell to pursue a career in curly-hair care?
Her journey began when she struggled to manage her own curls. After experimenting, learning, and gaining confidence, she discovered a deep passion for natural-hair care. That passion later evolved into full professional training and the opening of her salon.
3. How does Toriah balance motherhood and her business?
Toriah manages both through discipline and prioritization. She maintains a stable routine for her son while also dedicating herself to salon work and educational programs. Her ability to balance both roles is one of the reasons she is admired.
4. Are Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum still together?
No. Although they are no longer in a romantic relationship, they co-parent their son respectfully. They focus on providing a positive and healthy environment for Deuce.
5. What makes The Curl Bar Boston unique?
Unlike traditional salons, The Curl Bar Boston is dedicated exclusively to natural curls. Every service is tailored for curly textures, making it a trusted space for clients who often struggle to find stylists trained in curl-specific techniques.
6. Does Toriah teach others how to care for their curls?
Yes. She developed The Curl Bar Curl Course, an educational program designed to help people understand and manage their curls at home. This has expanded her influence beyond the salon setting.
7. What are Toriah Lachell’s future career plans?
She aims to expand her salon brand, create more curl-education content, and potentially launch her own hair-care products. Her long-term vision focuses on empowering the curly-hair community through knowledge and inclusive beauty practices.
