Theresa Contreras is no ordinary designer. As co-founder and lead designer at BAJA FORGED, she has turned her passion for off-road vehicles into an art form, crafting custom builds that are as tough as they are beautiful. For Theresa, vehicle customization isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating something that can take its owner on life-changing adventures. “Customizing your vehicle and using it to take you on adventures will change your life,” she says, and that philosophy is reflected in every build that comes out of BAJA FORGED. Each vehicle is a reflection of its owner’s personality, designed to inspire and empower them to forge their own path.
Theresa’s journey into the world of custom vehicle design began in her parent’s shop, LGE-CTS Motorsports, where she was raised around innovation and creativity. After a brief detour into graphic design, she returned to her roots, determined to make a mark in the male-dominated world of automotive design. From the start, Theresa’s designs were bold and ahead of their time, challenging the industry’s status quo. Not everyone was ready to embrace her forward-thinking ideas, but Theresa was undeterred. She remained committed to her vision, knowing that her designs would eventually resonate with the right audience.
BAJA FORGED quickly gained recognition for its custom builds, particularly the Ford Broncos, which became synonymous with the brand. These vehicles were designed not only to perform but also to inspire. Theresa’s builds were more than just machines—they were invitations to adventure, crafted to take their owners to places they’d never dreamed of going. Her work combined performance with personality, creating off-road vehicles that were as unique as the people who drove them.
Photo Courtesy: Theresa Contreras
In addition to her impressive custom builds and design achievements, Theresa Contreras has also become a role model for aspiring designers, particularly women looking to break into the automotive industry. Her success with BAJA FORGED is not just about building extraordinary vehicles; it’s about shattering glass ceilings in a traditionally male-dominated field. By embracing her creativity and determination, Theresa has shown that passion and hard work can pave the way for innovation, no matter the obstacles.
Awards and Recognition
Theresa’s innovative work has earned her numerous awards, including top honors at SEMA and the highly respected “Hero Award” from the Sturgis Hall of Fame. Her vehicles have been featured at major automotive events, and her client list includes high-profile names like Ford Motor Company and Jay Leno. As she continues to push the boundaries of off-road customization, Theresa remains committed to helping others forge their own paths, one custom build at a time.
Theresa Contreras proves that passion, vision, and a willingness to break barriers can change an industry. Through BAJA FORGED, she’s not just designing vehicles—she’s creating tools for exploration, vehicles that inspire people to embark on their own personal journeys. With each new project, Theresa reaffirms her commitment to empowering others to see the world not just as it is but as it could be—full of adventure, opportunity, and limitless possibilities.
Published By: Aize Perez
