Khalil Rafati on Overcoming Addiction, Relentless Work Ethic, and Building SunLife Organics

As a part of my series about people who made the journey from an addict to an entrepreneur, I had the pleasure to interview Khalil Rafati.

Khalil Rafati is a speaker, author, and health and wellness entrepreneur. Today, he is theowner of SunLife Organics, a rapidly growing chain of popular juice and smoothie bars in the United States. He is also the author of the best-selling book “I Forgot to Die” as well as his newest release “Remembering to Live.” He also founded Riviera Recovery, a transitional living facility for drug addicts and alcoholics, and Malibu Beach Yoga.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you describe your childhood for us?

My childhood was very difficult. Both of my parents were immigrants from different countries, they spoke different languages, and had different religions. Both of my parents were displaced in separate military conflicts, neither of them knew how to be parents. There was a lot of neglect, abuse, both physical, and sexual. Lots of Trauma.

Can you share with us how were you initially introduced to your addiction? What drew you to the addiction you had?

I started getting high with the older kids in the neighborhood and drinking beers. I was looking for any type of attention I could get. I also really enjoyed the feeling of not being myself, of being numb or high.

What do you think you were really masking or running from in the first place?

Trauma and pain.

Can you share what the lowest point in your addiction and life was?

Selling my body for drugs.

Can you tell us the story about how you were able to overcome your addiction?

I wish I could, but the truth is I could not overcome my addiction. I’ve tried hundreds of times over the years, it wasn’t until I asked God for help that I was freed from the shackles of active addiction.

How did you reconcile within yourself and to others the pain that addiction caused to you and them?

I was really into 12 step programs for the first 10 years of my recovery. That was the beginning, I then searched for other modalities of healing and spiritual growth. I became obsessed with yoga, chanting, pair, meditation, etc.

When you stopped your addiction, what did you do to fill in all the newfound time you had?

I didn’t have anything to fall back on so work took up most of my time. I worked non-stop 7 days a week. Between the 12 step programs, multiple jobs and exercise I barely had time to sleep. That was good for me. I needed to stay busy and stay out of my head.

What positive habits have you incorporated into your life post addiction to keep you on the right path?

Reading, journaling, exercising, service work, meditation, praying throughout the day, traveling.

Can you tell us a story about how your entrepreneurial journey started?

My entrepreneurial journey started because I couldn’t hold down a job my whole life. I got fired from every job I ever had. I’m unemployable. I don’t mean that kind of sort of. I’m very driven, but I have a big mouth and no filter. I really don’t have a choice other than to work for myself. I’m really good at working for myself. I’m the only boss I’ve ever enjoyed working with.

What character traits have you transferred from your addiction to your entrepreneurship. Please share both the positive and negative.

The positive thing I learned in addiction that I bring into the workplace and building brands is definitely communication. You cannot survive on the streets unless you learn how to communicate quickly and effectively. Also I never give up. I would stay up for days, walk for miles, take buses, do whatever I had to do to get my dope. My work ethic was forged in the fires of my merciless addiction. The negative components? There really aren’t any because if I do have any skill other than running through walls it’s alchemy. I am an alchemist. I am the alchemist. We are all the alchemist but it usually takes something very tragic to happen for us to wake up and recognize those talents within us.

Why do you think this topic is not discussed enough?

For most of the last hundred years addiction was reserved to the undesirables, the marginalized, people in the ghettos. Alcoholism and addiction was very frowned upon and considered a character forum, a person of weak morals, winos, derelicts, junkies and so called bums. It wasn’t until addiction showed up in affluent neighborhoods that anyone started to actually give a shit and look for a solution.

Can you share three pieces of advice that you would give to the entrepreneur who is struggling with some sort of addiction but ashamed to speak about it or get help?

Yes, get clean and sober. Stay clean and sober one day at a time. Join a 12 step group, start exercising, work hard, save your money, and be kind to people.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

On Instagram @khalilrafati

Thank you so much for your insights. That was really inspiring!