Although Khalil Rafat, now 46, owns a multi-million dollar company, few people know that he has been homeless and has struggled with drug addiction in the past.

The self-made billionaire tells his story of living in poverty 13 years ago in the book I Forgot to Leave. He tells how he was able to change his life and become successful.

According to Khalil, at that time he weighed barely 48 kg and suffered from despair.

‘For the first time in my life, I took full responsibility for what happened to me. That’s when I made a deal with God that I would never feel that way again.’

Fortunately, a friend who was worried about him encouraged him to make positive changes in his life and start a new chapter by starting a juice company.

He began juicing for people at Riviera Rehabilitation Center and its staff, and with the help he received from this organization, he was able to regain his health.

Five more years later, Khalil gained a positive reputation in Hollywood, which prompted him to open his own juice chain and call it SunLife Organics Juice Bar.

His consumers loved his juice bar, and as a result, his company expanded its beverage lineup to include smoothies, coffee, and frozen yogurt. In addition to offering a variety of nutritious drinks, the chain’s establishments are also popular with celebrities.

Anthony Kydes, vocalist and songwriter of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and actor David Duchovny are frequent visitors.

Now, Khalil inspires not only budding entrepreneurs who want to become big businessmen like him, but also his employees, many of whom are suffering the same way he was when he was younger.

So he has some words of wisdom to share with those who want to make positive changes in their lives in the business world;

‘Discover your shortcomings and connect with someone who has the knowledge and qualities you lack’