Toriah Lachell is often recognized as Jayson Tatum’s ex-girlfriend, but her story extends far beyond a high-profile relationship. Born in February 2000 in St. Louis, Missouri, she became a mother at 17 when she gave birth to their son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., in December 2017. Rather than letting early motherhood define her limits, she pursued her passion for hairstyling and built a thriving career in the beauty industry. Today, she owns The Curl Bar Boston, a specialized salon for curly hair, and has an estimated net worth between $1 million and $2 million. This article explores her early life, relationship with Jayson Tatum, professional journey, and entrepreneurial success.
Who is Toriah Lachell? Early Life and Background
Toriah Lachell Mimms: Full Name and Birth Details
Toriah Lachell Mimms is the full legal name of the hairstylist and entrepreneur, though she professionally goes by Toriah Lachell. She was born in February 2000 in St. Louis, Missouri. Sources vary slightly on her exact birth date, with some citing February 21 and others February 6, but all confirm February 2000 as her birth month and year. She holds American citizenship and comes from a mixed ethnic background.
Toriah Lachell Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2024, Toriah Lachell is 24 years old. She stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, which equals 173 centimeters, and weighs approximately 59 kilograms or 130 pounds. Her body measurements are recorded as 35″-28″-38″. She has black hair and dark brown eyes, features that complement her work as a curl specialist in the beauty industry.
Growing Up in St. Louis with Her Parents
Toriah was raised in Florissant, a suburb of St. Louis, by her mother Julie Gibbs. Her biological father was absent from her life from birth onward, and his identity remains unknown. Julie later remarried John Gibbs, who became Toriah’s stepfather and served as a father figure throughout her childhood. Despite the close relationship she maintained with John Gibbs, Toriah kept her original last name, Mimms, rather than adopting the Gibbs surname. She has shared photos of her stepfather on social media at various points, reflecting their warm bond.
High School Years and Athletic Involvement
Toriah attended McCluer North High School in Florissant, Missouri, where she demonstrated commitment to competitive sports. She played varsity soccer throughout her high school years and competed in softball for four years, splitting her time between two years on the junior varsity team and two years on varsity. In 2014, she earned recognition as a Suburban XII, North Division all-conference softball player, competing as an outfielder. Her competitive spirit shone through in a quote she gave to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that same year during a softball game: “We just don’t like to quit, even when it doesn’t look so good”. This athletic background reflects the determination that would later fuel her entrepreneurial pursuits.
Jayson Tatum and Toriah Lachell: The High School Romance
How They Met at Chaminade College Preparatory School
The paths of Jayson Tatum and Toriah Lachell crossed at Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, an all-boys institution where Tatum was already establishing himself as one of the nation’s top basketball prospects. While attending high school, the couple fell in love and began dating during Tatum’s senior year. A 2015 Sports Illustrated article mentioned Toriah as “Jayson’s girlfriend, Toriah Lachell,” showing off her prom dress when Tatum was still a junior.
Becoming Parents at 17: The Birth of Deuce Tatum
Tatum discovered that Toriah was pregnant in early 2017, just as his freshman season at Duke University was ending and his professional career loomed ahead. His initial reaction wasn’t what many would expect. “I was selfish at first, honestly,” he admitted during an interview with Graham Bensinger. “I was more worried about getting drafted than I was about being a dad.” He kept the pregnancy secret from teammates, coaches, and NBA scouts, fearing teams wouldn’t select him if they knew about his impending fatherhood.
Both parents were 19 years old when Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., nicknamed Deuce, was born on December 6, 2017. The baby arrived just 12 games into Tatum’s NBA career. Interestingly, the child’s name was supposed to be Jackson, but when the doctor handed him to Jayson, everything changed. “He looks just like me,” Tatum recalled, deciding on the spot to name him Jayson Jr.. Toriah moved to Boston when she was eight months pregnant to be closer to where Tatum played.
The Breakup and Moving Forward Separately
The exact timing of their split remains unclear, though reports suggest they separated around 2016 or shortly after Deuce’s birth. Neither Toriah nor Jayson has publicly revealed the reason for their breakup.
Co-Parenting Their Son Together
Despite ending their romantic relationship, the former couple established shared custody of Deuce. Toriah relocated from St. Louis to Boston, raising their son near his father. According to multiple sources, they maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship.
From Young Mother to Professional Hairstylist
Discovering a Passion for Curly Hair Care
Toriah’s relationship with her own hair shaped her career path. She used relaxers throughout her younger years, struggling with the same challenges many women with textured hair face. When she reached adulthood, she stopped using chemical treatments and began learning how to care for her natural curls. This personal journey sparked something deeper. Understanding her own hair patterns and needs created a genuine interest in helping others navigate similar experiences.
Enrolling in Cosmetology School in Boston
Following Deuce’s birth, she enrolled in cosmetology school in Boston, where she had already relocated. The decision carried weight. Cosmetology school demands long hours of training, technical precision, and constant practice. She focused specifically on textured and curly hair, recognizing a gap in traditional beauty education. Most cosmetology programs center on straight hair textures, leaving curl specialists to seek additional training.
Getting Certified: DevaCurl, Rezo Cut, and Cut It Kinky Training
She pursued specialized certifications that distinguished her from general stylists. Her credentials include DevaCurl certification, Rezo Cut certification, and Cut It Kinky training. Each program addresses different aspects of curly hair care. DevaCurl focuses on dry-cutting techniques that respect natural curl patterns. Rezo Cut teaches circular cutting motions and concaving methods for volume. Cut It Kinky offers education on tight curl artistry and science. She graduated in 2018, marking the official start of her professional career.
Building Skills and Client Trust
A certificate doesn’t automatically build a career. She spent considerable time refining her techniques and working with actual clients. Hair care is intensely personal. Trust develops slowly, particularly when someone hands over their curls to a stylist. She earned credibility one appointment at a time, translating technical knowledge into real-world results.
The Curl Bar Boston: Building Her Hair Empire
Why She Started The Curl Bar Boston
Opening The Curl Bar Boston in 2021 wasn’t just about running a salon. She identified a specific problem: people with curly hair struggled to find stylists who truly understood their texture. The salon, located in Somerville, Massachusetts, positioned itself as a judgment-free space where all curl patterns were welcomed and celebrated. Her mission centered on empowerment rather than quick fixes, teaching clients how to care for their hair between appointments instead of creating dependency.
Services and Specializations Offered
The salon specializes in dry curly cuts and maximizing hair hydration without heat or chemical treatments. A full-service session costs USD 315.00 and includes an in-depth consultation, custom cut or trim, spa mist hydrating treatment, deep cleanse, styling, one-on-one curl coaching, and product recommendations. Beyond standard appointments, she offers educational workshops for individuals and private training sessions for licensed cosmetologists on Sundays and Mondays.
Growing the Business and Online Presence
Toriah operates three Instagram accounts: a private personal account, her professional portfolio at hairbytoriahlachell, and The Curl Bar Boston’s official page. Combined, these accounts have accumulated over 26,000 followers. Comedian Trevor Noah visited her salon and posed for a photo after his appointment. Client reviews consistently praise her expertise and the educational approach.
Toriah Lachell Net Worth and Income Sources
Her estimated net worth in 2026 ranges between USD 1.50 million and USD 2.00 million. Income streams include salon services, social media brand collaborations with curly hair care companies, and potential future product lines. She commands premium pricing based on her specialized certifications and reputation.
Also Read: Kelsy Ully
Conclusion
Toriah Lachell’s journey proves that early motherhood doesn’t limit potential. Above all, her success stems from turning personal challenges into professional expertise. She transformed her natural hair struggles into a thriving business that serves an underrepresented community. With The Curl Bar Boston and her specialized certifications, she carved an identity separate from her high-profile past relationship. Her story demonstrates how passion, education, and determination build genuine entrepreneurial success.
FAQs
Q1. Are Jayson Tatum and Toriah Lachell still in a relationship?Â
No, they are not together. The couple separated around 2016 or shortly after their son Deuce was born in 2017. Despite ending their romantic relationship, they maintain a healthy co-parenting arrangement and share custody of their son.
Q2. What is Toriah Lachell’s professional background?Â
Toriah is a certified professional hairstylist specializing in curly hair care. She graduated from cosmetology school in Boston in 2018 and holds specialized certifications including DevaCurl, Rezo Cut, and Cut It Kinky training. She owns and operates The Curl Bar Boston, a salon dedicated to textured and curly hair.
Q3. How old was Toriah Lachell when she had her son?Â
Toriah was 19 years old when she gave birth to Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., nicknamed Deuce, on December 6, 2017. Both she and Jayson Tatum were the same age when they became parents.
Q4. What services does The Curl Bar Boston offer?Â
The salon specializes in dry curly cuts and hydration treatments without heat or chemicals. A full-service session includes an in-depth consultation, custom cut or trim, spa mist hydrating treatment, deep cleanse, styling, one-on-one curl coaching, and personalized product recommendations. The salon also offers educational workshops and private training for licensed cosmetologists.
Q5. What is Toriah Lachell’s estimated net worth?Â
Her estimated net worth ranges between $1.5 million and $2 million. Her income comes from multiple sources including salon services at The Curl Bar Boston, social media brand collaborations with curly hair care companies, and her specialized hairstyling expertise.
