In the world of professional sports, the partners and co-parents of superstars are often relegated to the background—defined primarily by who they are standing next to. Toriah Lachell, however, has spent the last several years rewriting that narrative.
While many know her as the mother of Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr., Toriah has quietly built a mini-empire in Boston, proving that her vision extends far beyond the parquet floor of the TD Garden.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Curl Bar Boston
Toriah’s most significant achievement is undoubtedly The Curl Bar Boston. In an industry that has historically underserved people with textured and curly hair, Toriah identified a massive market gap and filled it with precision.
What Makes Her Method Different?
Toriah isn’t just a stylist; she is a curl architect. She has moved beyond basic hair care to master specialized techniques that require intense certification and an artistic eye:
-
The RezoCut: A technique designed to maintain even length all the way around the head.
-
DevaCut: Focusing on the unique curl pattern of each individual.
-
Education-First Approach: Her salon doesn’t just “fix” hair; it teaches clients how to care for their natural patterns at home, fostering a community of hair autonomy.
A Masterclass in Modern Co-Parenting
The relationship between Toriah and NBA champion Jayson Tatum is frequently cited by fans and media alike as a gold standard for co-parenting. Since the birth of their son, Deuce Tatum, in 2017, the pair has navigated the complexities of fame with remarkable maturity.
Building a Support System
-
Relocation for Family: Toriah made the bold choice to move from St. Louis to Boston to ensure Deuce grew up with both parents actively involved.
-
Unified Front: Whether it’s courtside celebrations or birthday parties, Toriah and Jayson have maintained a public image of mutual respect, ensuring that Deuce remains the center of their collective world.
-
Privacy vs. Presence: While she is comfortable sharing snippets of her life on social media, Toriah maintains a level of “quiet luxury” regarding her private life, focusing the spotlight on her work and her son.
The “Deuce” Phenomenon
You cannot discuss Toriah without mentioning her son, Deuce. As one of the most recognizable “NBA kids” in the world, Deuce has become a fixture of the Boston Celtics culture.
Toriah’s influence on him is evident; despite the bright lights of the NBA, Deuce appears grounded, energetic, and deeply bonded with his mother. Toriah often uses her platform to share the “real” side of motherhood—the exhaustion of being a business owner while raising a high-energy child in the public eye.
The “Curl Bar” Legacy and Future
Looking ahead, Toriah Lachell is positioned to become a major voice in the beauty-tech and education space. By transitioning from behind the chair to launching The Curl Bar Curl Course, she is scaling her expertise globally. Read more
Why Toriah Lachell Matters
-
Representation: She serves as a role model for young Black women looking to enter the trade industries (cosmetology) and turn them into lucrative business ventures.
-
Independence: She has successfully avoided the “WAG” (Wives and Girlfriends) trope by maintaining a career that is entirely independent of her co-parent’s NBA salary.
-
Athletic Roots: Her background as a varsity athlete in soccer and softball clearly translated into the discipline and competitive edge required to run a top-tier salon in a major city like Boston.
Final Thoughts
Toriah Lachell is a testament to the power of intentionality. From her intentionality in co-parenting to her meticulous approach to hair health, she has curated a life that balances high-profile associations with grassroots business success. As she continues to expand her brand, she remains a figure to watch—not just in the stands, but in the boardroom.
“It’s not just about hair; it’s about the confidence that comes with loving what grows naturally from your head.” — The Toriah Lachell Philosophy
