At the age of 33, Khalil Rafati found himself battling addictions to heroin and crack cocaine, living on the streets and facing multiple stints in jail. Fast forward to his 50s, and he has transformed his life to become a successful multi-millionaire. Reflecting on his challenging journey, Khalil now shares his top advice for individuals striving to succeed in the world.
Khalil recounted a difficult childhood marked by poverty and inadequate parental support from immigrant parents who struggled with the language barrier. Exposed to adversity from a young age, he witnessed abuse and engaged in troublesome behavior, turning to heavy drinking by the age of 12 to seek attention through vandalism and theft.
Leaving school without qualifications in Toledo, Ohio, Khalil quickly descended into a life of crime, facing arrests for petty offenses like shoplifting and vandalism. In 1992, with just $1,000 in his pocket, he relocated to Los Angeles with aspirations of fame in the movie or music industry but found himself playing in local bands and cleaning cars for the wealthy instead.
His life took a dark turn as he spiraled into drug addiction, grappling with heroin, crack, ketamine, and ecstasy. Between jail and hospital stays, he survived on the streets of Skid Row alongside fellow addicts until a near-fatal ninth overdose became a pivotal moment.
Embracing a 12-step program and receiving guidance from a sponsor, Khalil embarked on a journey to rebuild his life. Encouraged to purchase quality cookies at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting and introduced to the benefits of vitamins and organic foods by an old friend, he began laying the foundation for his future success.
Starting with renting a house that he transformed into a high-end rehab facility named Riviera Recovery, where affluent clients paid $10,000 per month for luxurious stays, Khalil leveraged his newfound interest in healthy living to create nutrient-rich juices like the popular Wolverine blend. The demand for his products led to the launch of Sunlife Organics in Malibu, California, which swiftly generated $1 million in its inaugural year.
Today, Khalil’s business empire spans multiple locations and employs a significant workforce, offering a range of products from juices to food and merchandise. When asked for advice on entrepreneurship, he emphasized seizing opportunities early in life, highlighting the importance of taking advantage of youth and pursuing ambitions wholeheartedly.
Having penned his autobiography “I Forgot to Die” in 2015, Khalil expressed his belief in dedicating oneself fully to endeavors, stressing that while not exceptionally intelligent, his drive for life fuels his commitment to success.
