Meet: Sasha Chou

The Lower East Side is full of impressive, talented, giving, and immensely interesting people of different backgrounds, persuasions, and styles. More For LES is delighted to showcase neighbors from 10002 who contribute to making the community richer, more welcoming, and complete. Today we meet Sasha Chou.

Sasha Chou is the Founder and CEO of Mumu Bath, a bath and body products company that captures the essence of her Taiwanese heritage, and she lives in the Lower East Side. More For LES spoke with Sasha, and this is what she had to say:

Do you live, work, or both live and work in the neighborhood?

I live here.

How long have you lived and/or worked in the neighborhood?

I’ve spent 11 years on the LES.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am Sasha Chou. I’m Taiwanese and moved to New York in 2009.

After living in Chinatown for several years, I moved to the East River area of the Lower East Side in 2014, and it has been home ever since. Before founding my business, Mumu Bath, I worked for many years as a wedding photographer.

I’m also the proud mom of a 6-year-old (Regina).

If you work in the neighborhood, what do you do professionally?

I am the business owner of Mumu Bath, located in DUMBO.

I am also a professional photographer, and the owner of Sasha Chou Photography—a studio that specializes in weddings.

What do you love to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love taking photos of New York street views — the city is always so inspiring. I also enjoy painting/drawing, doing crafts, and cooking.

Traveling is something I cherish, but even when I stay local, I really enjoy walking around the city, discovering new cafés, and trying out different brunch spots with friends.

What’s something you've experienced here that makes the neighborhood feel special to you?

The Lower East Side is a place I truly love — for its diversity, neighbors, and convenience. It connects me to Chinatown, to my work, and it’s right by the beautiful view of the Williamsburg Bridge.

I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

What’s something you’d like to see change or improve in the neighborhood?

One thing I’d love to see improve in the Lower East Side is keeping a balance between new development and the character of the neighborhood.

I love the diversity, the small businesses, and the creative energy here — but sometimes I worry that rising rents and rapid changes could push out the very people and places that make the LES so special.

I’d like to see more support for local shops, artists, and community spaces, so the neighborhood can stay vibrant and authentic while still growing.

I would also love to see it more holiday feels and vibes during holidays, e.g. Christmas, for example, or maybe holiday markets etc.

Favorite local spots — where do you go, and why do you love them?

Some of my favorite local spots really reflect the rhythm of my life here. I love spending time at Seward Park — it’s such a peaceful place for me and my family. On Sundays, when Regina is playing soccer at The Ground, I’ll often stop by Bánh by Lauren, a Vietnamese bakery, to treat myself to their amazing Lime Drip and cake — it’s become a little ritual I look forward to.

Trader Joe’s is a practical go-to, but I also love hanging out at OST Café or the Vital Climbing Gym and its café. On weekends, I’ll sometimes head to brunch at Sunday to Sundays Café or Dimes. For community and creativity, I really enjoy the Manny Cantor Center’s workshop programs.

When it comes to food, Regina and I are obsessed with Shu Jiao Fu Zhou on Grand Street — their peanut butter noodles and Zest Sushi on Broome are definitely one of our happy places. I also love 99 Favor Hot Pot, especially for gathering with friends.

Shopping-wise, I enjoy Orchard Street, with Kotn and November 19 as two of my favorite boutiques. And I can never resist stopping by Dahing Plants — I probably have over ten planters from them, and I love chatting with the owners whenever I pass by. They are very friendly and love sharing how to take care of the plants.

Occasionally, I’ll take the East River Ferry to DUMBO — sometimes for work, and sometimes just to take Regina for a walk along the water or to her Creatively Wild art class. And of course, my ultimate spots in the neighborhood are Seward Park and Dimes Square. I also really love exploring the LES and Chinatown murals, as well as all the art galleries in the area — they make the neighborhood feel so alive and inspiring.

Are there any buildings, parks, or street corners that you think of when the Lower East Side comes to mind?

Seward Park is the first place I think of, since I spend so much time there with my daughter.

Dimes Square always reminds me of the creative energy of the LES.

Grand Street, Orchard Street, and Ludlow Street each have their own character that I love, and the East River and Hillman Coops really feel like part of the neighborhood’s fabric.

Walking along the FDR with the Williamsburg Bridge in view, and visiting Essex Market (where I enjoy their kids activities such as Halloween), all capture what makes the Lower East Side feel like home.

Anything else you’d like to share with your neighbors?

I really enjoy when our building hosts the network neighbor meet-ups — it’s such a nice way to connect. I’d love to see more of those gatherings happen in the future.