The Rise of Toriah Lachell: More Than Just Jayson Tatum’s Ex
Toriah Lachell: In the world of NBA fandom, stories often revolve around the athletes themselves—their stats, their salaries, and their championship rings. But every so often, the spotlight shifts to the remarkable women who stand beside them, not just as partners, but as individuals with their own compelling narratives. Toriah Lachell is one such woman. While she first entered the public consciousness as the high school sweetheart and ex-girlfriend of Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, her identity has evolved far beyond that initial label. Today, she is celebrated as a dedicated mother, a licensed cosmetologist, and a thriving entrepreneur who built a business from the ground up.
The journey of Toriah Lachell is not a simple tale of fame by association; it is a story of resilience, intentionality, and the quiet power of building a legacy on one’s own terms. From the basketball courts of St. Louis to the bustling salon suites of Boston, her path has been marked by significant challenges, including teenage pregnancy and a public breakup, all while navigating the pressures of being linked to a rising sports icon. Yet, through it all, Toriah Lachell has remained focused on her true priorities: raising her son, Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr., and cultivating a business that empowers others to embrace their natural beauty. This article delves deep into the life of this multifaceted woman, exploring her roots, her relationship with fame, and how she transformed potential adversity into a launching pad for personal and professional triumph.
Early Life and Athletic Beginnings in St. Louis
To understand the grounded nature of Toriah Lachell, one must first look at her origins in the Midwest. She was born on February 6, 2000, in St. Louis, Missouri, a city known for its rich musical heritage and passionate sports culture. Growing up in the vibrant suburb of Florissant, Toriah was raised in a supportive family environment by her mother, Julie Gibbs, and her stepfather, John Gibbs. While details about her biological father remain private, it is clear that her stepfather played a significant and positive role in her upbringing, providing a stable and loving home. This strong family foundation would later prove crucial as she navigated the complexities of young adulthood under the public eye.
Long before she ever picked up a curling iron, Toriah Lachell was an athlete carving out her own identity on the field. She attended McCluer North High School, where she was far from a wallflower. A natural competitor, she threw herself into sports, playing varsity soccer throughout her high school years. Her athletic pursuits didn’t stop there; she also spent four years on the softball diamond, with two years on junior varsity and two on the varsity team. This dedication to team sports speaks volumes about her character. It fostered a sense of discipline, resilience, and teamwork that would later translate directly into her entrepreneurial endeavors. Being an athlete taught her how to handle pressure, work hard toward a goal, and bounce back from setbacks—skills that would become invaluable in the years to come.
A High School Romance with a Future NBA Star
The story of how Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum met is a classic tale of young love rooted in shared ambition. Both were students at rival schools in the St. Louis area—Toriah at McCluer North and Jayson at the prestigious Chaminade College Preparatory School. As star athletes in their own right, their paths naturally crossed, and a friendship soon blossomed into a romantic relationship during their teenage years. At the time, Jayson was already a highly touted basketball prospect, but to Toriah, he was simply her high school boyfriend. Their bond was formed long before the fame, the million-dollar contracts, and the relentless media scrutiny, giving their connection a foundation of normalcy and genuine affection.
Their relationship, however, coincided with a period of immense transition. As Jayson finished his freshman year at Duke University and prepared to enter the 2017 NBA Draft, the couple faced life-changing news: Toriah was pregnant. The timing was critical. Jayson was on the cusp of realizing a lifelong dream, and the fear of how fatherhood might affect his draft stock was a heavy burden. In an interview, he candidly admitted to initially being “selfish” and terrified, keeping the pregnancy a secret from coaches and teammates. For Toriah Lachell, who was just 17 at the time, the situation was equally daunting. She was facing the prospect of becoming a mother while her boyfriend was about to embark on a grueling, high-profile career hundreds of miles away. Despite the uncertainty, they navigated this tumultuous period together, welcoming their son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., on December 6, 2017, during Tatum’s rookie season with the Boston Celtics.
The Rise of Deuce and a New Chapter in Co-Parenting
The birth of their son, affectionately nicknamed “Deuce,” was a pivotal moment that would redefine the lives of both Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum. While the arrival of a baby often strengthens a couple’s bond, for Tatum and Lachell, it marked the beginning of the end of their romantic relationship. Shortly after Deuce was born, the couple decided to part ways. The reasons for their split have never been publicly detailed, with rumors ranging from the pressures of long distance to the challenges of teenage parenthood, but neither party has ever confirmed a specific cause. What mattered most, however, was their immediate and unwavering commitment to their son.
In a move that demonstrated incredible maturity and selflessness, Toriah Lachell made the pivotal decision to relocate from her hometown of St. Louis to Boston in 2018. This was not a decision made lightly. It meant leaving behind her family and support system to ensure that Deuce could grow up close to his father. This act alone speaks volumes about her character and her dedication to co-parenting. She understood the importance of fostering a strong bond between father and son, and she was willing to uproot her entire life to make it possible. As a result, Deuce has become a beloved fixture at Celtics games, often seen charming reporters and fans from his father’s lap during post-game interviews. The successful co-parenting dynamic between Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum is now held up as a model of how two people can put their child first, proving that a family doesn’t have to fit a traditional mold to be full of love and support.
Building The Curl Bar Boston: An Entrepreneur’s Journey
While the world watched Deuce capture hearts on the basketball court, his mother was quietly building an empire of her own. Toriah Lachell had always been interested in hair, specifically the art of styling natural curls—a passion born from her own experiences with her hair texture. Upon moving to Boston, she made the bold decision to turn this passion into a profession. She enrolled in cosmetology school and further honed her skills in haircutting at Cut It Kinky, determined to gain the formal training needed to be the best in her field. This period of her life was a masterclass in hustle: she was a new mother, a student, and was laying the groundwork for her future, all while adapting to a new city.
In early May 2021, all of that hard work paid off when Toriah Lachell officially opened the doors to The Curl Bar Boston. Located in Somerville, Massachusetts, the salon was born from a clear mission: to create a safe and welcoming space where clients could learn to embrace and care for their natural hair. Unlike traditional salons, The Curl Bar specializes exclusively in curly and coily textures, offering services that range from precision cuts to hydration treatments. Toriah Lachell didn’t just stop at providing services; she also created an educational component, “The Curl Bar Curl Course: A Case Study,” to teach people how to maintain their curls at home. This holistic approach—combining expert service with client education—has made her a revered figure in the beauty community and a true pioneer in the specialty curl care space. Her salon has even attracted high-profile clients, including comedian Trevor Noah, further cementing her reputation as a go-to expert for natural hair care.
| Aspect of Toriah’s Life | Key Details |
| Birth & Early Life | Born February 6, 2000, in St. Louis, Missouri. Raised by mother Julie Gibbs and stepfather John Gibbs. Attended McCluer North High School, where she was a multi-sport athlete (soccer, softball). |
| Relationship with Jayson Tatum | High school sweethearts. Began dating while Tatum attended Chaminade College Preparatory School. Relationship ended shortly after the birth of their son in 2017. |
| Son: Deuce Tatum | Gave birth to Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr. (“Deuce”) on December 6, 2017. Moved to Boston in 2018 to facilitate co-parenting. |
| Career & Business | Licensed cosmetologist specializing in curly hair. Owner and founder of The Curl Bar Boston (opened May 2021). Created “The Curl Bar Curl Course” to educate clients on at-home hair care. |
| Public Persona | Maintains a private personal life. Uses Instagram professionally (@hairbytoriahlachell or @thecurlbarboston) to promote her business and share hairstyling content. |
Life in the Public Eye: Privacy, Purpose, and Parenting
In an age where reality TV and social media oversharing are the norm, Toriah Lachell’s approach to her public persona is both refreshing and strategic. Despite being connected to one of the NBA’s most recognizable faces, she has masterfully maintained a boundary between her public business life and her private personal world. Her Instagram presence is a testament to this balance; it serves primarily as a portfolio for her work at The Curl Bar Boston and a platform to inspire confidence in natural hair, rather than a window into her dating life or daily routines. She rarely gives interviews and has avoided the drama and sensationalism that often ensnares those associated with celebrities. This careful curation allows her to control her own narrative, ensuring that Toriah Lachell is known for her skills and her hustle, not just her past relationship.
Balancing the demands of a new business with the responsibilities of motherhood is a challenge that would overwhelm many, but for Toriah Lachell, it is simply life. She has spoken, through her actions, about the importance of being a present and engaged mother. Running a small business requires long hours, immense dedication, and a significant amount of emotional labor. Yet, she consistently prioritizes her role as Deuce’s mom. Whether it’s attending his school events or supporting him from the stands at his father’s games, her son is clearly the center of her universe. This ability to juggle the relentless demands of entrepreneurship with the nuanced needs of a growing child is perhaps her most impressive feat. She is raising a son in the public eye while simultaneously building a legacy that will be hers alone, teaching Deuce an invaluable lesson about hard work, independence, and self-worth.
Net Worth and Financial Independence
When discussing the lives of those connected to professional athletes, questions about finances inevitably arise. For Toriah Lachell, her financial story is one of self-made success. While estimates of her net worth vary across different sources, with figures ranging from $200,000 to $500,000, the consensus is clear: she has built a solid financial foundation through her own sweat equity. Unlike some who might rely on a famous ex-partner, her income is generated directly from her skills as a hairstylist, the profits from The Curl Bar Boston, and her educational hair courses. This financial independence is a crucial part of her identity, proving that her success is not a byproduct of Jayson Tatum’s fame, but a result of her own talent and relentless work ethic.
The disparity in net worth estimates often stems from the private nature of her business finances. However, the growth of her brand is undeniable. From a single salon, she has expanded her reach through educational content and a strong social media presence that attracts clients and students alike. Her journey from a cosmetology student to a business owner in a competitive city like Boston is a powerful testament to her determination. Toriah Lachell has not just created a job for herself; she has built a brand that resonates with a specific community, filling a need for specialized curl care. This entrepreneurial spirit ensures that her value is intrinsic, not relational, and that her future financial success is solely in her own hands.
Conclusion
The story of Toriah Lachell is a powerful and inspiring narrative of transformation and self-determination. She entered the public eye as a footnote in the biography of a basketball star, but through sheer force of will and unwavering focus, she has written herself into the lead role of her own life. From the athletic fields of her St. Louis high school to the owner’s suite of a thriving Boston salon, she has consistently demonstrated the kind of resilience, discipline, and grace that cannot be taught. She navigated the challenges of teenage pregnancy and a public breakup not with bitterness, but with a clear-eyed commitment to her son and her future.
By founding The Curl Bar Boston, Toriah Lachell has done more than just build a business; she has created a community and a platform that empowers others. She has shown that it is possible to maintain privacy in a world that demands exposure, to prioritize family while pursuing ambitious professional goals, and to redefine oneself beyond a past relationship. In a culture obsessed with celebrity, she stands as a grounded, relatable figure—a testament to the fact that while fame can be given, success is always earned. Toriah Lachell is not just Jayson Tatum’s ex-girlfriend or Deuce’s mom. She is a self-made entrepreneur, a devoted parent, and an inspiration to anyone striving to build their own legacy, one curl at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toriah Lachell
Who is Toriah Lachell?
Toriah Lachell is an American entrepreneur and licensed hairstylist best known as the founder of The Curl Bar Boston, a salon specializing in natural curly hair care. She is also widely recognized as the ex-girlfriend of NBA star Jayson Tatum and the mother of their son, Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr.
How old is Toriah Lachell?
Toriah Lachell was born on February 6, 2000, in St. Louis, Missouri. As of 2026, she is 26 years old.
What is The Curl Bar Boston?
The Curl Bar Boston is a hair salon founded by Toriah Lachell, located in Somerville, Massachusetts. It specializes in cutting, styling, and caring for naturally curly and coily hair textures. The salon also offers educational courses to help clients maintain their curls at home.
Is Toriah Lachell married to Jayson Tatum?
No, Toriah Lachell and Jayson Tatum have never been married. They were high school sweethearts who dated and later had a son together. Their romantic relationship ended shortly after the birth of their son in December 2017.
How many children does Toriah Lachell have?
Toriah Lachell has one son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., who was born on December 6, 2017. He is affectionately known by the nickname “Deuce”.
What is Toriah Lachell’s net worth?
While estimates vary, Toriah Lachell’s net worth is estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000. This wealth has been accumulated through her career as a hairstylist, the success of The Curl Bar Boston, and her online hair care courses.
Did Toriah Lachell move to Boston for Jayson Tatum?
Toriah Lachell moved to Boston in 2018, which was after her romantic relationship with Jayson Tatum had ended. The move was made to facilitate co-parenting, ensuring that their son Deuce could grow up close to both of his parents.
Is Toriah Lachell on social media?
Yes, Toriah Lachell maintains a social media presence, primarily on Instagram. Her account, @hairbytoriahlachell or associated with @thecurlbarboston, is used professionally to showcase her hairstyling work, promote her salon, and share hair care tips.
