Food Influencer Davon Moseley Turns Side Hustle Into Career

Davon Moseley has successfully transformed the Royale Eats social media channels from a simple side hustle into a sustainable, full-time career. What began as a creative outlet while he was in graduate school has evolved into a business that supports him and a dedicated team.

Moseley has diversified his revenue to build financial stability. His income streams range from brand partnerships and direct product sales to ad revenue and investments. Beyond content creation, he has expanded into publishing and production, recently launching his own studio to create original shows. His journey highlights the potential of turning a passion for food into a multifaceted media business.

The journey for Davon Moseley began while he was pursuing a master's degree. He started posting photos and videos of the meals he was cooking without a specific business plan. However, the response was immediate and unexpected.

As his following grew, Moseley decided to release his first product: an eBook. The success of this launch was a turning point. He realized that Royale Eats could be more than just a hobby; it had the potential to become a real business.

Today, Royale Eats is his full-time job, with millions of followers across various platforms. The business has grown to support not only Moseley but also a small team of contractors, including videographers, photographers, and graphic designers. He is currently working to bring these roles in-house to build a full-time payroll team.

Like many successful content creators, Davon Moseley relies on multiple income streams to ensure sustainability. He has broken down his revenue sources to provide a clear picture of how the business operates.

The distribution of his income is as follows:

• Brand Collaborations (30%): Moseley partners with various brands to create sponsored content and consult on food-related campaigns.
• Direct Sales (30%): This significant portion of revenue comes from selling digital products, including his eBooks and his debut cookbook released on November 4.
• Social Media Platform Revenue (20%): Earnings generated from monetized content on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube.
• Ad Revenue (10%): Money earned through advertisements placed on his website and blog.
• Investments (10%): Moseley invests in brands that align with his personal values and interests.

Moseley noted that the business generates enough income for him to live comfortably, particularly when compared to potential earnings in a traditional corporate role.

Expanding beyond social media, Davon Moseley launched First Bite Studios, his own production company. The studio has already released its first show, "Borders," which completed its first season on YouTube.

Moseley's goal is to eventually bring "Borders" to television, but his current focus remains on growing the audience and producing quality content for the digital space.

He has identified a specific niche within his audience. Many of his followers are novice cooks who prefer his slower-paced, instructional style. After experimenting with fast-paced, entertainment-style videos, Moseley found that his audience responded better to educational content. He stated, "They wanted to learn — not just watch."

Davon Moseley maintains a specific mindset that he credits for his rapid growth from a side hustle to a full-time business in less than three years. He emphasizes the importance of staying curious and humble.

Moseley advises others in the industry to avoid ego, stating, "You can't afford to have an ego in this business. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you stop growing."

Looking ahead, Moseley is focused on expanding First Bite Studios and creating new shows and collaborations. His ultimate vision for Royale Eats is to be a brand that inspires people to connect with food, family, and creativity, not just teach them how to cook. He believes that growth occurs when one stays true to their vision and continues learning.