Taj Stewart, Sr., is a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and a 2002 Hattiesburg High School Class graduate. Stewart earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Personal Finance from The University of Southern Mississippi. In 2014, he launched his first business venture, Southern Kernels Gourmet Popcorn. Featured in The Food Network magazine and, as of recent, The Paula Deen magazine, Southern Kernels is at The District in midtown Hattiesburg. Stewart is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Delta Sigma Chapter. He is also the assistant pastor at Lighthouse Christian Center. He is married to Dr. Jawauna Stewart, and they are the proud parents of Taj Stewart, Jr. and Taytum Stewart.