From Malibu to Pacific Palisades and Beyond

The History of SunLife Organics

By Trilby Beresford | Reporter

The story of SunLife Organics strikes a personal note, as its founder, Khalil Rafati, struggled with drug addiction, homelessness and depression before steering his life toward healthy living.

“I really didn’t have a choice,” Rafati said on the phone with the Palisadian-Post, in reference to his dramatic lifestyle change. “I felt so anxious and lethargic all the time, so I, very addictively, began to pursue things that would make me feel better and more energetic.”

Rafati launched SunLife Organics in Malibu in 2011 with business partner Hayley Gorcey. More than just a juice and smoothie bar, it’s an “experience fueled by the simple but profound joy of human connection and an unrelenting commitment to quality,” according to the website. “Something magical happens when you truly serve people from your heart,” Rafati shared.

The menu all started with the Wolverine Superfood Shake, consisting of dates, banana, maca, raw cacao, raw coconut butter, raw almond butter, bee pollen, royal jelly and almond milk. “It took me two years to perfect that recipe,” Rafati revealed. Unsurprisingly, it remains a wholesome favorite among repeat customers.

In terms of juices, Rafati pointed out that The Happy is hugely popular. It includes cucumber, celery, spinach, fennel, mint, apple and lemon.

Rafati’s daily routine changed after becoming conscious of his health: Wake at about 5:30 a.m. “with no alarm clock—ever,” drink a liter of water with “a pinch of lemon juice and salt,” meditate for one hour, and then walk on the beach or through the mountains.

Rafati also consumes SunLife’s Billion Dollar Meal every morning. (It’s a superfood concoction that features coconut, spinach, whole leaf aloe, hemp milk, vitamin C crystals, goat colostrum and more). “I’m very much a creature of habit,” he said, adding, “I’m still an addict, I just changed ingredients.”

Having lived through many ups and downs, Rafati authored a memoir about his life in 2015, entitled, “I Forgot to Die.” He is currently writing a follow-up, which he described as, “a prescription book to help people [through addiction].”

Anticipating SunLife’s Palisades Village opening, Rafati expressed that he’s looking forward to serving Palisadians, who comprise “some of the coolest people I’ve ever met.” He said he enjoys the area and recognizes its special quality.

In a moment of reflection, Rafati concluded, “I really live for this [work], and love it.”

SunLife Organics will be located at 1061 Swarthmore Ave. and open Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 310-573-7757.