My name is Betty Han and I was a stay-at-home-Mom to my two healthy boys Jason and Huck before venturing off to pursue a passion for business. I had a career as a computer programmer for three years before my husband and I started our family. I did not want to go back to programming so I went back to school to earn a degree in the statistical study of sociology.

  As I was finishing my degree I realized the politics involved in securing a tenured position in the field would be next to impossible. Also, the pay would be at best about $28,000 per year. With this realization looming I was inspired by some hand-made beads my Aunt Robin made and decided to make a small bag to hold the matching necklace and bracelet. I thought it was unique and would sell well.

   The first bag I made was a small version of the pom-pom purse but had satin strings. I tried to trademark it as the JellyBeanz bag but that was futile and a waste of money since Jelly Beans in every incarnation was already trademarked.

   So I went back to work to try and find a name. Not to get off track but writing has always been a passion of mine. I had the cutest little bag, and by then a matching backpack now what to do? Well I had a story milling around my head about a little girl that had the greatest spunk and innocence that I wished all children could have. I like to say Freckles has “no shame in her game.” She is fearless not reckless, loyal and not the least bit snotty. Freckles embraces humanity as only a child can. This was the seed that created Freckles & Maya, the story. The story is about effective involved parents with great kids, good schools and caring teachers. There are bumps along the way but the stories are about the travels of growing up not about morals or the hardships of life. I guess it’s my way of bringing a little Brady Bunch to the twenty-first century.

   Ultimately, the other strong message is how couples today raise children without the mother giving up her career she worked so hard to achieve. Can you have both? Freckles’ Mom is a partner in an architecture firm. Maya’s Mom is a part-time pediatrician. Everyday they are faced with choices, and that is where the extended family comes in. Freckles Grandmother is a weekly if not daily presence in her life. She facilitates the family being able to have it all! She takes care of the children and the parents. She is fun, full of patience, and wise.

   Gramcracker, her nick-name is the bedrock of the family. She represents women of yesterday and she accepts and encourages her daughter’s spirit and independence. Freckles and Maya see both generations of mothering in action and it will be up to them to decide what the women of their generation will be.

  Freckles and Maya, Inc. celebrates the strength and grace of all women and the spirit and playful nature of our little ones. When your little darling is sporting a Freckles & Maya product you are calling upon everything it is to be young and full of hope and joy.

Alayna French and Betty Han at Toy Fair 2007

Betty R. Han, Creator and President
  Ms. Han's background includes various skills in computer science, web development, graphic design and her life-long love of writing, and research in sociology.

  As creator of Freckles & Maya, Inc. a new American Accessory line for girls 5-11 years old, “I get to exercise my imagination and creativity with design, writing and business.” “I am passionate about bringing a wholesome, girly alternative to a market full of edgy characters.”

  Her desire is to create a company that works in harmony with the new globalized world. When it is possible Mrs. Han business decisions are made with local and national economic interest in mind. Mrs. Han promotes “Capitalism with a Conscience”; her philosophy that the twenty-first century consumer desires quality at a great price while thoughtfully fostering business nationally and abroad.

  Betty R. Han resides in Omaha, Nebraska. Her greatest achievement to date is her marriage to the love of her life Kyu-Wha Han and her two beautiful sons Jason-6 and Huck-5.


Alayna Mentzer-French, Art Director

  Mrs. French earned a BA with honors in Advertising/Marketing from the college of Journalism, University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

  Alayna began her design career hand cutting lettering for race cars, jet ski's and boats at a small sign shop. After managing a team of five they put together colorful, exciting signs for local events, sports teams and businesses. From there she moved to the retail world producing weekly and monthly advertisements, in store signage, and point of purchase displays of various consumable products and fashion clothing. Alayna worked closely with the photographers for special holiday events.

  In 2000 Alayna became Art Director designing and heading up the production of large format signs and billboards for 8 states. Mrs. French is very proud that she has received two Addy Awards for billboards.

   Alayna believes that her present adventure “is one of the most exciting I've ever had the opportunity to be a part of.” I love to create wonderful new designs of every shape, form and medium for Freckles and Maya. Ms. French also owns AMF Creative Services where she designs billboards for companies across the country.

  Alayna, her wonderful husband Ed and 4 year old, daughter Avory, live on a small acreage just outside of Omaha where they enjoy watching the beautiful sunsets, the fresh quiet country air and grilling out with family and friends.