Khalil Rafati, formerly addicted to heroin and crack cocaine and living on the streets, has transformed his life and is now a successful multi-millionaire in his 50s. Reflecting on his difficult upbringing in poverty, Khalil shared that his parents, immigrants who did not speak English, were ill-prepared for parenthood, exposing him to a challenging environment from a young age.
Growing up witnessing abuse, Khalil began misbehaving early on and turned to heavy drinking by the age of 12 to seek attention. Dropping out of school in Toledo, Ohio, he quickly fell into a life of petty crime, leading to arrests for shoplifting and vandalism.
In 1992, at 21 years old with only $1,000, Khalil moved to Los Angeles with aspirations of fame in the entertainment industry. However, his dreams were dashed as he spiraled into drug addiction, battling heroin, crack, ketamine, and ecstasy. Amidst periods in jail and hospital visits, he found himself living on the streets among fellow addicts in Skid Row.
A near-fatal ninth overdose marked a turning point for Khalil. Engaging in a 12-step program, he found a sponsor who guided him to employment and a path to rebuild his life. Attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings, he committed to purchasing premium cookies and reconnected with an acquaintance who introduced him to the benefits of vitamins and organic foods, pivotal in his journey to success.
Starting with renting a house transformed into a rehabilitation center, Riviera Recovery, catering to affluent clients willing to pay $10,000 monthly, Khalil utilized his newfound knowledge and passion for healthy living to create nutrient-rich juices like the popular “Wolverine.” The demand for his products led to the launch of Sunlife Organics in Malibu, California, which quickly thrived, generating $1 million in its inaugural year.
Currently, Khalil’s company boasts multiple branches and provides employment to numerous individuals, offering an array of products ranging from juices to food and merchandise. When asked for advice on entrepreneurship, Khalil emphasized seizing the present moment, highlighting the importance of taking advantage of youth and opportunities for growth.
Khalil’s autobiography, “I Forgot to Die,” published in 2015, reflects his philosophy on life: “I don’t consider myself super intelligent, but I have a hunger for life and dedicate myself fully to any endeavor I pursue.”
