18/09/2026
A New Chapter Begins at Life By Design (LBD) Startup Bodyshop
Life By Design Start Up Bodyshop Ushers in New Leadership Era as Founder Joe Abass Bangura Hands Over to Raphael Marrah
Freetown, Sierra Leone | 18 September 2026
Life By Design (LBD) Start Up Bodyshop has entered a new chapter in its corporate journey following the formal handover of leadership from Founder and Executive Chairman Joe Abass Bangura FCCA to Raphael Marrah, the company’s new Managing Director and Co-Founder.
The transition marks a significant milestone in the company’s development, reflecting a shared commitment to building a sustainable institution that supports entrepreneurs, strengthens businesses and contributes to Sierra Leone’s growing enterprise ecosystem.
In a formal handover letter dated 18 September 2026, Mr Bangura expressed confidence in Mr Marrah’s leadership and ability to take the company’s vision forward, describing the occasion as one of the most significant moments in a founder’s life.
“Today, before our team and friends, I formally place into your hands the leadership of Start Up Bodyshop,a company I conceived, built, and have led with everything I had,” Mr Bangura stated.
Reflecting on their journey together since May, Mr Bangura highlighted Mr Marrah’s competence, character and commitment, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the business into its next phase of growth.
He emphasised that the company was never intended to be a monument to one individual, but rather an institution capable of serving entrepreneurs long after its founder had moved on to other responsibilities.
“Every founder dreams of building something bigger than themselves,a dream large enough that it no longer depends on the dreamer,” he noted.
In his remarks at the handover ceremony, Mr Marrah expressed appreciation to Mr Bangura for his trust, leadership and the opportunity to take forward an institution built around empowering entrepreneurs.
He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with leading the company and reaffirmed his commitment to preserving its founding vision while positioning it for greater growth, innovation and impact.
“Taking on this responsibility is both an honour and a commitment. We are building on a strong foundation, and our ambition is to take Life By Design Start Up Bodyshop to the next level. Our focus will remain on helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, creating opportunities and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sierra Leone,” Mr Marrah said.
He also encouraged the team to embrace the transition as a collective opportunity to grow, innovate and deliver greater value to the entrepreneurs and partners they serve.
Mr Bangura, in his handover message, encouraged Mr Marrah to lead boldly, protect the company’s founding values and build on the foundation already established. He further challenged the new Managing Director to go beyond maintaining existing achievements and pursue greater impact.
The leadership transition highlights the importance of continuity, trust and shared purpose in building institutions that can thrive beyond their founders.
For Mr Marrah, the transition presents an opportunity to strengthen the company’s operations, expand its support for entrepreneurs and deepen its contribution to enterprise development in Sierra Leone.
The occasion represents not an end to the founding vision, but the beginning of a new phase focused on institutional growth, expanded entrepreneurial support and long-term sustainability.
Under Mr Marrah’s leadership, Life By Design (LBD) Start Up Bodyshop will continue its work to help entrepreneurs build businesses that can grow, endure and contribute to Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
