Meet Montrel Powell

We had the good fortune of connecting with Montrel Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Montrel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
First and foremost, God. Everything I’ve accomplished and overcome starts there. His covering, His timing, and His grace are the reason I’m still here and able to pour into something meaningful.

My success also comes from the people around me my family, my real friends, and the positive, like-minded individuals I’ve stayed connected to. You need that circle. People who remind you who you are, hold you accountable, and push you to keep growing.

Lastly, my personal testimony plays a big part. I’ve seen what the line between life and death really looks like. That kind of experience either breaks you or builds something unshakable in you. It gave me clarity, drive, and a reason to stay real with myself and the world. That’s what my brand represents being authentic, staying grounded, and showing others that success is possible when you move with purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career and my brand, Too Real 2 Be Fake (2REAL), are rooted in transformation, faith, and lived experience. What sets me apart is that I’m not sharing a story from the sidelines — I lived it. At just 20 years old, I was facing 50 years in prison for my first crime — a robbery. That could’ve been the end of my story, but God had other plans.

Through divine grace and the presence of key people He placed in my life, I was given a second chance. I entered the YouthBuild Dallas program, That experience gave me structure, confidence, and leadership — not just for myself, but for my community.

While in the program, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., where I met Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. After hearing my story, she wrote a personal letter to the courts on my behalf. That letter — and the belief behind it — helped shift the direction of my life.

Today, I work professionally at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF), Ive committed myself to mentoring others who feel stuck between their past and their purpose. I now serve as an author, mentor, and speaker, all while continuing my day job — because purpose doesn’t wait for a perfect setup.

I’ve written books inspired by my journey, starting with “It’s a Thin Line Between Life and Death”, which is loosely based but strongly inspired by my testimony. That first release has grown into a planned six-book series, each one diving deeper into the layers of choices, consequences, faith, and redemption. My more recent work, Held, Heard, and Home, also reflects the very real pain and power that comes with being given a second chance.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a close friend came to town for a week, I’d keep it simple but meaningful. We’d start with church at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, then grab lunch at Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles or Hutchins BBQ for some of the best food in the area.

We’d visit the African American Museum or stop by Deep Ellum to see the art and culture that make Dallas unique. For fun, we’d go to Andretti Indoor Karting or check out Grand Prairie Outlets for shopping, food, and a relaxed vibe. A visit to Reunion Tower would give them a great view of the city.

We’d spend time with family, eat good food, and wrap the week with a visit to Trinity Groves. It wouldn’t be about doing a lot just being intentional with the time and making sure they leave feeling what Dallas is really about.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God placed some incredible people in my path who saw more in me than I saw in myself. I have to start with Officer Sean Jackson — he saw something in me beyond what the criminal justice system had planned. He mentored me, challenged me, and pushed me to be better.

Elzada Mays, Director of YouthBuild Dallas, was another major turning point. She saw a voice and a leader in me before I even realized it. That program, and her influence, helped me find my voice and taught me how to lead both in my own life and in my community.

My mom, Carlette who gave up a lot and stuck beside me when I had nobody else. My wife Tera, and our kids — Trel-Trel, King, and Serenity they’re my anchor and my motivation. Tera’s the one who told me I needed to start writing, and that push helped unlock something bigger in me.

To my real friends — Mark, Darrly, and Kelliny — thank you for being part of that tight circle that’s always kept me grounded.

And I want to recognize my workplace, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF). From the pastors and coworkers to the visitors, teachers, and even the kids the whole environment has poured into me. But especially Shari Sargent. She’s been a life example a blueprint. No matter what the situation is, she somehow always has the answer, and it’s always exactly what I need to hear.

I’m grateful for every person who believed in me, poured into me, challenged me, or just stood by me.

Website: https://montrelpowellbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourusername

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bnw6j9qmh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Other: https://www.amazon.com/author/tooreal2befake

Image Credits
All photos courtesy of Montrel Powell