How many of you know a person that, when you hang up the phone, you have committed yourself to a new project? Let me introduce you to that person. Meet Cynthia Huie. The excitement that Huie exudes when thinking about how to engage with San Francisco is contagious.
As a child growing up in the East Bay, she remembers visiting San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Chinatown. Moving down south for college, she had envisioned herself living in a city or a beach town as she grew older. She says here in the city she has a little of both. Living in San Francisco for over 20 years, the community vibe of West Portal’s commercial corridor solidified her choice of where she would raise her family. Huie mentioned legacy businesses that shaped the neighborhood like the Submarine Center (recognized on the Thrillist’s “SF Bucket List” and Bullshead Restaurant serving gourmet burgers since 1979.
The want for that community vibe in a commercial corridor extended to Clement Street when deciding where her partner would build his oral surgery practice. “We want[ed] to build it where it felt most at home for us and for our patients. So we ended up in the Richmond District.” Looking out of the practice’s second-story window overlooking a portion of Clement Street, her creativity, curiosity, and love of making connections stirred her imagination: This street would be really cool to have a small business. If I were to open a store, what would I want to open down here? Shortly after, a dinner conversation with her sister grew into a 10-year reality. Their clothing boutique, Seedstore sprouted.
“My concept was to not just sell clothing on Clement Street, but … how do you create a clothing store that connects generations?” Huie said. Bringing together heritage brands like Pendleton, as well as Japanese brands and newer contemporary brands, they envisioned 20-somethings shopping next to 70-year-olds providing a price point for all. Remembering the connections that were made while shopping with her sister and mother, she wanted to provide an environment where mothers and daughters could see eye to eye — if just for an afternoon.
I want to make transformational change, within my community.
Cynthia Huie
These connections that Huie wanted to see didn’t stop there. Encouraged to bring her excitement and ingenuity to the rest of the commercial corridor, along with Park Life and The Bold Italic they brought ClemenTime, a neighborhood event, to life. After showing her capacity she was offered and accepted the role of president of the Clement Street Merchants Association, which she has held for eight years. I am happy to report that ClemenTime is still going strong.
Huie said that this opportunity enabled her to discover and exercise her hidden leadership skills, allowing her to flex a muscle she wouldn’t have been able to as a store owner. In these leadership roles, she has learned listening is key. While advocating for the Clement Street small businesses, she has had a hand in creating other community activations, like the Clement Street Farmers’ Market, Mr. Foggy’s Neighborhood mural by artist Jason Jägel, and a public parklet filled with greenery from her mother-in-law’s yard.
Currently Huie is the president of the San Francisco Small Business Commission. Taking the experience and knowledge of being a small business owner and leader of a merchants’ association, her voice has become one that is appreciated and listened to. With her expressed desire to create community and connections, her voice led to the inception of the RAMS Unity Road Trip during her stint as president on the board of directors for over eight years. This trip brought together young future leaders to delve into the intersection of their cultures and histories.
Understanding the importance of cultures and histories, Huie has been part of conversations about reenvisioning the future of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Listening, thinking, and learning, she eventually decided she wanted and needed to be part of that vision. At the end of 2023, she and her sister hosted a soft opening of their new gift shop On Waverly. The support the sisters have received has been tremendous as they again bring a space for generations to coexist and have meaningful connections by hosting community events, like book talks, panels, and art workshops.
Throughout her time in San Francisco, Huie has worn many hats, focusing on building community, connectivity, experiences, and enjoyment for all. She recently earned her Master of Arts degree in Transformative Leadership. “I wanted to go to school to learn how I can transform the world, you know, my little piece of the world, whatever it is. I want to make transformational change, within my community.”
Excited to be part of Cynthia’s community, I can’t wait to see what she does next.