Meet Tova Sido | Mom, Sister, Girlfriend, Friend, Pastor, Podcastor, Author, Speaker, Teacher

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

Hi Tova, what do you want people to remember about you?
Years ago I heard an amazing sermon from a pastor named Andy Stanley. The message was all about your legacy and he asked one question, “At the end of your life what do you hope people stand in line and thank you for?” He said if you could answer that question then you would know what you want your legacy to be. I thought long and hard about that one. But……I came to the conclusion that if I was known for one thing it would be that people felt really really loved by me. That my family, friends, associates – and even random people like the woman who makes my green juice or guy who bags my groceries would feel love from me. And because of that love, I would always leave people better than I found them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My professional career has definitely been very circuitous – and yet every twist and turn has led to the next amazing opportunity and I am so grateful for where I am today. I started out in corporate America – working as a marketing executive for about a decade. After a lot of loss and grief I felt like life was pushing me into another direction. In 2005 I left corporate work for ministry. I began as a Youth Pastor and then eventually became a Pastor of a contemporary worship service called Cornerstone at Highland Park Methodist. In 2015 I resigned from that position to spend more time with my children/family. That was incredibly difficult. Heartwrenching really. I LOVED my job and the people and the congregation. But being a pastor of a church is like being an on-call doctor – it’s so demanding. Rewarding, but so demanding. I had adopted 3 children in 2010 from Ghana, Africa – and I just felt like I needed to go home. It was really really really hard. But this season opened new doors for me that I never imagined. I wrote a book, began speaking and teaching on my own, started a podcast and doing counseling. It has been so incredibly challenging, but so incredibly rewarding. I think what sets me apart from others is I am not your “typical” pastor. I cuss. I drink. I sin. And I’ll talk about all of it with you. I love clothes and shoes and nice vacations. I can love people right where they are. I am not judgemental. I don’t think I have it all figured out or that I am someone you should put on a pedestal or elevate. I am you. And you are me. We are all broken, sinful, messy – and so I try really hard to let people know that I am just as messy as them. I am honestly most proud of my kids – and that as hard as it was to leave my position to pour in to them – it was worth it. They needed me. Kids need their mom – and so as amazing as our nannies were, I really saw a difference in them when I came home – when I was the one picking them up from school and cooking their dinner. It was a positive shift in our home and our relationships. I know I took a hit professionally – but I have still found a way to do what I love and still be a great mom. I have found the balance – which is not easy for a working mom to do – but I have found the balance. And any hit I have taken professionally or financially has and will always be worth it.

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.
Ohhhhh. Let’s start with Mexican food. I love the Mexican food in Texas! So we would hit all the spots……..Mi Cocina, Rafas, Casa Navarro, Taco Deli. I love the Monkey Bar before or after for a drink. We would need to work off all the chips and hot sauce so a long walk on the Katy Trail – and of course stop half way for a cold beer at the Katy Trail Ice house – (best people watching EVER)! A long bike ride around White Rock Lake would be a must. I love riding down the Santa Fe trail to Deep Elum for a margarita and taco at Revolver! The Kessler Theater is one of my favorite places to go for a small venue concert – love that place! And if it’s summer/fall I absolutely love concert on the lawn at the Arboretum! A night of food trucks at Klyde Warren is always so fun! Brunch at Le Bilboquet will always be one of my favorites! I love playing golf and so I would take them out to the Four Seasons for a round and a drink after on the patio – might even stay the night and get a massage and lay by the pool the next day. Of course we HAVE to get our nails done at Sophia’s – a blow out by the one and only Max Gillies at The House on Lovers. Yoga class with Brett, Blair or Diana at We Yogis! Oh and I love The Henry in Uptown – great food and awesome drinks on the rooftop patio! Great place to mingle with the locals! All while managing carpool, football, baseball and basketball schedules!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jesus. My children Charlie, Carter, Anna-Prin, Louisa and George

Website: www.tovasido.com

Instagram: @betheremedies

Youtube: KEPX – the Remedy