At the age of 33, Khalil Rafati struggled with heroin and crack cocaine addiction, often living on the streets or in jail. Fast forward to his 50s, he has completely transformed his life and is now a successful multimillionaire. Reflecting on his journey from rock bottom, Khalil shared valuable advice for those navigating their own paths in the world.
Khalil described his challenging upbringing in poverty, detailing his exposure to difficult circumstances from a young age due to his immigrant parents’ lack of preparedness for parenthood. Witnessing abuse early on, he began to engage in disruptive behavior, turning to heavy drinking by the time he was just 12 years old to seek attention through acts like vandalism and shoplifting.
Leaving school without qualifications in Toledo, Ohio, he swiftly descended into petty crimes, facing arrests for theft and vandalism. In 1992, at 21 years old and armed with only $1,000, Khalil relocated to Los Angeles with aspirations of becoming a movie or rock star. Despite his dreams, he found himself playing in local bands and cleaning cars for the wealthy.
His life took a darker turn as he spiraled into drug addiction, grappling with heroin, crack, ketamine, and ecstasy, leading him to a life on Skid Row among other addicts. After surviving a near-fatal ninth overdose, Khalil committed to a 12-step program, which introduced him to a sponsor who aided in his rehabilitation and employment journey.
Attending a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, he was encouraged to invest in quality snacks and reconnected with a friend who educated him on the benefits of vitamins and organic foods. These pivotal moments laid the foundation for Khalil’s future success.
Starting by converting a rented house into a rehab facility called Riviera Recovery, catering to affluent clients willing to pay $10,000 a month for accommodation, Khalil’s passion for healthy living led him to create nutrient-rich juices, including the popular Wolverine blend. The positive reception of his juices prompted the launch of Sunlife Organics in Malibu, generating $1 million in its inaugural year.
Today, Khalil’s business empire includes numerous branches and employs hundreds, offering an array of products beyond juices, such as food and branded merchandise. When asked for advice on entrepreneurship, he emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities early in life, highlighting his own vitality at 52 as proof of potential growth and success.
In 2015, Khalil published his autobiography, “I Forgot to Die,” where he humbly expressed his dedication to life and wholehearted commitment to his endeavors, emphasizing his drive rather than innate intelligence.
