I grew my side hustle to become a full-time food influencer. Here's the breakdown of where my money comes from.

• Davon Moseley turned his online side hustle and love of food into a full-time content creation job.
• Moseley expanded from his Royale Eats page to write a cookbook and start a production studio.
• He told Business Insider how he has diversified his income streams to build a sustainable career.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Davon Moseley, the content creator and food influencer behind Royale Eats. It has been edited for length and clarity.

While I was in graduate school pursuing my master's degree, I began posting photos and videos of the meals I was cooking. I didn't think much of it at first — I certainly didn't have a road map or business plan — but people started responding in a way I didn't expect.

As more people followed my page, I decided to release my first real product: an eBook. I had no idea how it would perform, but it turned out to be a huge success. That was when I realized this could be more than just a hobby. It could be a real business.

Today, with millions of followers across platforms, Royale Eats is my full-time job. What started as a creative outlet has become a sustainable business that supports not only me but also the small team I've built.

I work with a management team and a few contractors — videographers, photographers, and graphic designers. Right now, everyone is contract-based, but I'm working to bring everything in-house and build a full-time team on payroll. Collaboration is important to me; everyone brings something unique to the table, and that helps elevate the brand as a whole.

How I make my money

Like most content creators, my income comes from multiple streams. Here's how it breaks down:

• Brand collaborations — about 30%

  I partner with different brands to create sponsored content or consult on food-related campaigns.

• Direct sales — about 30%

  This includes eBook sales, other digital products, and my first cookbook.

• Ad revenue — about 10%

  I earn money through ads on my website and blog.

• Investments — about 10%

  I invest in brands that align with my values and interests.

• Social media platform revenue — about 20%

  This comes from monetized content on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

I'm proud that the business generates enough income for me to live comfortably, especially compared to what I'd earn in a traditional corporate role. But more than that, I get to do something I genuinely love every day.

Building something bigger than myself

This year, I launched First Bite Studios, my own production company. We already released our first show, "Borders," which just wrapped its first season on YouTube. My goal is to eventually bring it to television — but for now, I'm focused on growing the audience and building quality content.

Many of my followers are novice cooks: individuals who are just beginning to learn their way around the kitchen. I found that they connected most with my slower-paced, instructional style. I tried making fast-paced, entertainment-style videos for a while, but my audience didn't respond to them the same way. They wanted to learn — not just watch. And that's where I've found my niche.

I always tell people: stay curious and be a student. You can't afford to have an ego in this business. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you stop growing.

My debut cookbook came out on November 4, and it was a major learning project to bring it to life. Now, I'm focused on expanding my production company and continuing to create new shows and collaborations. I want Royale Eats to be a brand that not only teaches people to cook but also inspires them to connect with food, family, and creativity.

I've learned that growth occurs when you stay true to your vision, remain humble, and continue learning. That mindset has taken me from a simple side hustle to a full-time business in less than three years — and I'm just getting started.