Khalil Rafati, now in his 50s, has transformed his life from a former heroin and crack cocaine addict living on the streets to a successful multi-millionaire. Despite a challenging upbringing in poverty with parents who were ill-prepared for their roles, Khalil found himself exposed to difficult circumstances early on.
Struggling with abuse and misconduct from a young age, Khalil turned to heavy drinking by 12 and eventually dropped out of school in Toledo, Ohio. This led him down a path of petty crimes like shoplifting and vandalism before relocating to Los Angeles in 1992 with aspirations of fame.
In Los Angeles, Khalil spiraled into drug addiction, grappling with heroin, crack, ketamine, and ecstasy. Several encounters with the law and health scares landed him on Skid Row, where a near-fatal ninth overdose served as a wake-up call.
Embracing a 12-step program, Khalil found a sponsor who assisted him in securing employment and rebuilding his life. Through connections made at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, Khalil learned about the benefits of healthy living, which eventually paved the way for his success.
Starting with a rented house transformed into a high-end rehab center, Riviera Recovery, Khalil began crafting nutritious juices that gained popularity among his affluent clientele. The success of his juices led to the establishment of Sunlife Organics in Malibu, generating significant revenue in its inaugural year.
Today, Khalil’s business empire includes multiple branches and a diverse range of products, from juices to food and merchandise. When asked for advice on entrepreneurship, Khalil emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities early in life, citing his own transformation and vigor at 52 as proof of the possibilities.
Khalil’s journey and achievements are chronicled in his autobiography, “I Forgot to Die,” where he attributes his success not to exceptional intelligence but to a relentless passion for life and wholehearted dedication to his endeavors.