Washington’s only certified organic soap company, Ballard Organics, which offers soaps with no pesticides, solvents, animal products or synthetic fragrances, has something new on the market – a piece of the company.

Ben Busby-Collins started Ballard Organics five years ago in his 800-square-foot Ballard apartment and sold his first soap at the Ballard Farmers Market.

Now, the once fledgling company is housed in a 7,750-square-foot warehouse in Rainier Valley with six full-time employees and distribution in more than 280 retail stores in the Pacific Northwest.

The high demand for the product has created a need for more equipment and staff in order to manufacture more product and develop new products.

The common stock offering will also help to develop sales associates in other regions, create new marketing materials to expand to new territories and create a nationwide distribution network.

The people at Ballard Organics have a great passion for their line of natural products and have found a customer base that has become incredibly loyal to the brand, according to a Ballard Organics press release.

One year after the move to the current location, demand continues to grow. That is what ultimately led to Busby-Collins decision to go public with Ballard Organics, according to the press release.

“The goal of Ballard Organics is to be a house name national brand," Yvette Sanchez, Ballard Organics director of investor relations, said in the press release. "We just need to be able to produce products on an even grander scale. But in order for us to meet this increased level of production, we need to raise more money. This is why Ballard Organics is offering stock in this direct public offering.”

Ballard Organics' plan is to target its customer base with shares starting at $1 each with a minimum purchase of $500.

Information about the public offering, including the disclosure documents, can be found on a link at www.ballardorganics.com/investors.