By: Joshua Finley
In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, Theresa Contreras has emerged as a trailblazer, transforming the way we think about off-road vehicles. As co-founder and lead designer of BAJA FORGED, Theresa brings a unique vision to the world of custom automotive builds, blending her passion for adventure with cutting-edge design. BAJA FORGED, under her leadership, has become synonymous with bespoke vehicles that empower individuals to explore new horizons while making a bold statement on the road.
The Power of Personalization and Adventure
Theresa’s journey into the world of custom vehicles is deeply personal. “Customizing your vehicle and using it to take you on adventures will change your life; it changed mine,” she reflects. For Theresa, vehicles represent more than just transportation—they are a means of self-expression and discovery. BAJA FORGED was built on this philosophy, with the tagline, “Signature builds & off-road products built to forge your own path,” encouraging drivers to see their vehicles as extensions of themselves and instruments for unlocking new experiences.
Through BAJA FORGED, Theresa has helped countless individuals create vehicles that not only reflect their personal styles but are also built for performance and endurance, empowering them to embrace the freedom of the open road.
A Vision Brought to Life: The Birth of BAJA FORGED
BAJA FORGED began as a passion project for Theresa, who has always had a love for unique, functional designs. The company specializes in off-road products and custom vehicle builds, with a particular focus on the Ford Bronco. These vehicles are designed to be both aesthetically stunning and mechanically capable, embodying Theresa’s signature approach of combining form with function.
Theresa’s automotive journey began in her family’s business, LGE-CTS Motorsports, where she was immersed in the world of car builds from a young age. Her hands-on experience, coupled with a formal education in Graphic Design from Cal Poly Pomona, provided her with the foundation to approach automotive design from a fresh perspective. After refining her skills, she returned to the industry, determined to leave her mark on the world of custom vehicle design.
Pushing Boundaries and Overcoming Skepticism
Theresa’s path to success was not without its challenges. Her forward-thinking designs often placed her ahead of the curve, and her innovative ideas were not always readily embraced by the automotive community. However, her perseverance and commitment to her vision paid off. Over time, her designs gained recognition at prestigious industry events such as SEMA, where her work was praised for its originality and craftsmanship.
“If I had let the initial naysayers hold us back, we wouldn’t be here today,” Theresa reflects. By staying true to her creative vision and not compromising on her principles, she has carved out a unique space for herself in the industry.
Breaking Stereotypes and Leading by Example
As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, Theresa has never allowed stereotypes to define her career. Instead, she has focused on honing her craft and delivering the best results, setting an example for others to follow. “I don’t think about being a female in a male-dominated industry; I think about how I can be the best at what I do and how that translates into helping others find their best too,” she says.
Her success, driven by hard work, passion, and a refusal to conform to traditional expectations, has made her a role model for aspiring builders and designers. Theresa continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles in their path.
A Career Filled with Accolades and Achievements
Theresa’s innovative work has been celebrated with numerous awards and recognitions that reflect her dedication and impact on the industry:
2024 – “Female Builder” One Moto Show
2024 – 2017 Vibrance Top Gun Painter – PPG Industries
2023 – “Hero Award” Sturgis Hall of Fame
2022 – SBN All Female Build Paint Lead – SEMA
2021 – “She is SEMA – Woman of the Year – SBN/SEMA
2021 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
2020 – PPG Ad Campaign – PPG Industries
2019 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
2018 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
2018 – YEN Vanguard award winner – SEMA
2017 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
2017 – International Motorcycle Show – Winner – Modified Class
2012 – SBN All Female Build Paint Lead – SEMA
Theresa’s custom vehicles have been featured in top automotive shows and magazines, and her work has attracted high-profile clients such as Jay Leno, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Tanner Foust of Top GearTM. Each project reflects Theresa’s commitment to delivering vehicles that inspire and perform.
Looking Ahead: Forging New Roads
Theresa Contreras and BAJA FORGED continue to lead the charge in creating off-road vehicles that are both innovative and personal. With a dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and performance, Theresa and her team are not just building vehicles—they are creating experiences that inspire and empower people to discover new paths in life.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
