By: Joshua Finley
In the fast-paced world of automotive design, Theresa Contreras is a name synonymous with bold creativity, innovation, and uncompromising excellence. As the co-founder, lead designer, and racer at BAJA FORGED, she has shaped the company into a powerhouse of bespoke off-road vehicles and products. Theresa’s journey is an inspiring testament to how customizing vehicles can open doors to new adventures while staying true to one’s core identity.
Customization and Adventure: The Key to Transformation
“Customizing your vehicle and using it to take you on adventures will change your life; it changed mine,” Theresa passionately asserts. For her, vehicles are much more than modes of transportation—they are extensions of personal identity and vital tools in one’s journey of self-discovery. Through BAJA FORGED, she helps others build vehicles that not only look stunning but are also highly capable, encouraging them to explore new paths and embrace adventure. The company’s tagline, “Signature builds & off-road products built to forge your own path,” speaks directly to this ethos, calling on people to find freedom through their unique creations.
The Founding of BAJA FORGED: Crafting Adventure-Ready Vehicles
BAJA FORGED was born from Theresa’s deep-rooted love for automotive design and customization. Specializing in off-road products and signature vehicle builds, particularly focusing on Ford Broncos, BAJA FORGED creates machines that are designed to conquer the toughest terrains while making a bold visual impact. Each vehicle is crafted with an unwavering attention to detail, blending aesthetics, function, and performance to ensure it performs flawlessly in the wild.
Theresa’s love for automotive work started in her family’s shop, LGE-CTS Motorsports, where she grew up working alongside her sister. From sanding vehicle panels to sweeping floors, she absorbed the intricacies of car design at an early age. After taking a break to pursue Graphic Design at Cal Poly Pomona, Theresa returned to the automotive industry with new skills and a fresh perspective, determined to create her own legacy.
Vision Over Doubt: Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
Early in her career, Theresa faced challenges when her designs—often ahead of their time—weren’t immediately accepted. But instead of allowing this skepticism to deter her, she remained steadfast in her vision. Her persistence paid off as her designs gained recognition and admiration, winning prestigious awards at shows like SEMA. The demand for her work grew, and that was when BAJA FORGED was born. Reflecting on the initial doubts she faced, she notes, “If I had let the initial naysayers hold us back, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Breaking Barriers and Leading Through Passion
Theresa has built her career on breaking stereotypes and setting new benchmarks. In an industry dominated by men, she has refused to let gender define her journey. “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 explains. It’s this drive to excel that has pushed her to continually innovate, leaving an indelible mark on the automotive world.
Awards and Recognitions: Honoring a Trailblazing Career
Theresa’s passion, skill, and resilience have earned her numerous awards that acknowledge her contributions to the automotive 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 prominently displayed at premier automotive shows and have appeared in various magazines. Her impressive collaborations include custom builds for celebrities like Jay Leno, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Tanner Foust of Top GearTM, showcasing her versatility and design mastery.
Forging a Legacy of Empowerment and Exploration
Theresa Contreras and BAJA FORGED have redefined what it means to build vehicles that are not only functional but also serve as powerful symbols of individuality and empowerment. Her work encourages others to push boundaries, seek adventure, and stay true to themselves. Through BAJA FORGED, Theresa continues to inspire, showing that anything is possible when passion and authenticity are your guiding forces.
Published by: Martin De Juan
