By: Joshua Finley
In the highly competitive automotive industry, few names resonate with innovation and individuality like Theresa Contreras. As co-founder and lead designer of BAJA FORGED, she has redefined what it means to create custom off-road vehicles. Theresa’s passion for vehicles goes beyond aesthetics; she believes that a well-designed vehicle can transform lives, inspire adventure, and empower individuals to explore the world around them.
Customization as a Catalyst for Adventure
Theresa Contreras is a firm believer in the power of customization. “Customizing your vehicle and using it to take you on adventures will change your life; it changed mine,” she reflects. For Theresa, vehicles are not merely modes of transportation—they are an extension of oneself, an essential part of life’s most memorable journeys.
At BAJA FORGED, Theresa and her team specialize in crafting bespoke off-road vehicles designed for more than just rugged terrain. Their signature builds, particularly their work with Ford Broncos, combine functionality with cutting-edge design, allowing drivers to forge their own paths and experience the freedom that comes with adventure.
Roots in the Automotive World: Learning from the Ground Up
Theresa’s passion for automotive design is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up in her family’s shop, LGE-CTS Motorsports, she was surrounded by cars and the craft of customization from an early age. As a child, she and her sister sanded vehicle panels, cleaned up the shop, and learned the ins and outs of automotive craftsmanship.
After attending Cal Poly Pomona for Graphic Design, Theresa returned to the automotive industry with a fresh perspective and a desire to make her mark. Her design skills and artistic eye allowed her to push the boundaries of traditional vehicle builds, and soon her innovative concepts began to draw attention.
Overcoming Challenges to Stay True to Her Vision
One of Theresa’s greatest strengths is her ability to persevere in the face of doubt. Her designs were often ahead of their time, and her creative approach was not always immediately embraced by industry insiders. However, Theresa never wavered from her vision. “If I had let the initial naysayers hold us back, we wouldn’t be here today,” she says, reflecting on the journey that led her to establish BAJA FORGED.
Her determination paid off, as BAJA FORGED quickly became synonymous with high-quality, performance-driven off-road vehicles. With each build, Theresa continues to prove that creativity and perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges in a competitive industry.
Recognition and Awards for Groundbreaking Work
Theresa’s bold designs have earned her numerous accolades and widespread recognition within the automotive industry. She has received prestigious honors, including the “She is SEMA – Woman of the Year” award in 2021. Her innovative approach has also been featured at industry-leading events such as SEMA, where her custom builds, including collaborations with iconic figures like Jay Leno and Billy Gibbons, have garnered praise for their originality and craftsmanship.
Shaping the Future of Automotive Customization
Theresa Contreras has never been one to follow the crowd. Through BAJA FORGED, she continues to forge new paths, designing vehicles that challenge conventions and inspire others to explore beyond the limits of ordinary road travel. Each vehicle that leaves the BAJA FORGED shop is a reflection of her philosophy: stay true to your passions, push boundaries, and always embrace the spirit of adventure.
With a focus on individuality and a commitment to excellence, Theresa and BAJA FORGED are reshaping the off-road industry, one custom build at a time. The vehicles they create are not just machines—they are symbols of empowerment, adventure, and the ability to forge one’s own path
Published By: Aize Perez
