About Us

MANDATORY TOUCHES, INC. was first organized under the name of NAT BAUER DESIGNS in March, 1984. Ms. Elizabeth "Nat" Thomas who is the owner and designer of the company also worked as a Product Specialist for almost 2 years under contract with the Philippine government, the CITEM organization.

On April 12, 1985, the company was changed to Mandatory Touches, Inc. (MTI) and duly certified to act as a designer and manufacturer of products intended for export sales and to to render design work for foreign clients. Today, MTI's products are known not only in the United States but also in Europe, Japan and Australia.

About Our Founder and President

Ms. Elizabeth "Nat" Thomas has had 32 years in the manufacturing of furniture accessories, gift items and seasonal novelties. Before coming to the Philippines, she owned a mail order company in the United States until 1982, manufacturing 85% of what was sold via direct mail. She also owned 3 retail stores; a gift shop, gourmet food store and a craft gallery.

In 1982, she started a design firm, worked with CITEM, United Nations, Aid to Artisans and private firms as a product specialist, helping Third World countries with product design for export and small business management.