Faces of Midland: Heidi Sovereen
Faces of Midland is a collaborative storytelling project celebrating the vibrant lives of those who live, work, and thrive in Midland.
Heidi Sovereen’s smile lights up the room
By Trisha Fenby
Photo by Renee’ Deckrow, Captured Studio
If you’ve eaten at a restaurant in Midland over the years, you likely have met Heidi Sovereen. From opening shifts at McDonald’s at the age of sixteen, to managing Alex’s Railside restaurant today, Heidi has found purpose in the restaurant industry.
Along the way, she cared for a grandmother with dementia, supported her father through stage four cancer, and raised her own children.
Heidi’s nurturing tendencies became a way of life for her.
“I like to make people happy. When I worked at McDonald's, I'd take the 4am shift because I want to be someone's first smile of the day.”, Heidi recalls the deep impression she wanted to make at the young age of sixteen.
And her smile lights up the room. Heidi’s natural nurturing tendencies are a strength for her at work. She has an innate ability to read the room, understanding someone’s needs often before they become evident.
This skill grew from experience, both personal and professional. She grew up in Midland, raised by a single mom. Heidi feels blessed that her mom, Teresa, took the time to attend all of Heidi’s extracurricular activities growing up, an action that instilled the value of family in Heidi’s life. As an adult, her mom became her biggest supporter. Recognizing the hard work of parenting, Teresa helps Heidi out with her own kids, Deegan and Wynona. Heidi says, “I couldn’t do it with out her, she’s my right-hand lady.” Teresa continues to show her love for Heidi by dropping off special treats at work, surprising the whole Alex’s crew.
In addition to having a mom that is flawless in her own way, Heidi spent a lot of time with her grandparents when she was growing up. It was a time when life seemed easier. Her grandma was a bit of a “free spirit”. She recalls special trips to McDonald’s for Filet Fish sandwiches and strawberry shakes. One trip led them to the Midland Hospital to visit Heidi’s mom during work, her grandma inadvertently parked in a “pregnant mother’s” spot and Heidi was not going to let her live that down.
Heidi recalls, “She only got mad at me one time, when she parked in a pregnancy spot. I picked on her nonstop and she like blew up on me!”.
This, an example of how even the kindest of grandma’s has a limit. Grandpa held a special place in Heidi’s heart too, she was his favorite grandchild. Not only did Heidi lose him at the young age of eighteen, but he was the stability that her grandma needed. He worked and paid all of the bills. He made sure things were taken care of, and when he left, her grandma was taken advantage of.
As a vulnerable person, she was exploited financially and lost a large sum of money in less than six months. This left Heidi in a position to take action to protect her grandma. She became guardian of her grandmother. Heidi’s sense of responsibility, ethical standards, and nurturing is imprinted in her as a result of her grandparents.
“As her caregiver and guardian, I had to make decisions on where she would live. I had to sell a house before I even owned a house.”
Heidi didn’t truly recover from grieving when she was hit with the news that her dad was ill. Just six months after her grandmother’s passing, her dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Heidi, once again, became a caretaker. Knowing that she would need to be close to him to provide support, Heidi moved into a home just across the street from her dad. This allowed both of them to have some independence but gave her the ability to support him during his illness.
She also raised her son, Deegan. Heidi was just 22 years old when he was born. He has been her drive and motivation, wanting to be better for him.
“I like to say we grew up together”, Heidi explains, recognizing the early years of her role as a mother.
She wasn’t alone though. She is very clear to acknowledge Deegan’s dad’s role in his life. Heidi is thankful that she and her son’s dad were able to agree on what was best for the child. When dad wasn’t available to help, she had family members that could watch her son so she could work.
Through caring for family members and raising her son, Heidi continued to work full time And while at work, she learned how restaurants operate; she observed how customers reacted; and she made it a point to make sure her customers left happier than when they arrived.
Heidi now works at Alex’s Railside Restaurant, located in the Midland Mall. She began working there as a server, a position a friend suggested she take. She is now a manager, helping with daily operations, menu ideas, and making improvements to the already outstanding service. Heidi enjoys seeing the regular clientele come in, as they are a part of the culture of Alex’s. She recalls a time one of the regulars just wasn’t himself, he was pale and looked unwell. After observing for a while, Heidi realized that he was going to need some help. She quietly took responsibility and called for help. The customer was admitted to the hospital with a severe kidney infection; Heidi’s quick action made a difference in his life.
This is just an example of the kind of care Heidi exhibits while managing a successful restaurant. When we face so much stress in the world today, whether it be personal issues, local concerns, or a more global stress climate, it is reassuring to know that there are people like Heidi in the world. I know, when I go to Alex’s, regardless of the day I am having, I am going to leave better than I arrived.