Theresa Contreras Ford Bronco: A Lifelong Passion
Growing Up Around Cars and Custom Culture
Theresa Contreras, also known as Design Muse, grew up with grease, paint, and horsepower in her veins. Her family owned an auto body shop, so cars, trucks, and motorcycles were a natural part of everyday life. From a young age, she was captivated not only by the roar of engines but also by the creativity that went into making each vehicle stand out.
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While many kids played in the backyard, Theresa found herself surrounded by tools, steel, and paint. That early exposure planted a seed that would eventually grow into her lifelong passion for design, customization, and off-road adventure.
Discovering the Power of Design
Theresa’s love for motorsports quickly evolved into a fascination with design. She studied graphic design in school, where she learned how to work across different mediums. That creative training proved invaluable when she stepped into the family business full-time.
Her breakthrough moment came unexpectedly when a pinstriper failed to show up for work one day. Without hesitation, Theresa volunteered to take over. Everyone doubted her—she had never done it before. But after practicing into the night, she nailed the job. That experience became a defining lesson: seize opportunities when they appear, trust your instincts, and prove to yourself that you’re capable of more than you think.
Teaching Herself to Paint
With a spark lit inside her, Theresa dedicated herself to mastering the craft of painting and customizing cars. She spent countless evenings locked in the paint booth, experimenting, learning, and perfecting her style. Over time, her work began appearing on magazine covers and show vehicles, cementing her reputation as one of the most talented custom painters in the industry.
At first, Theresa focused on delivering exactly what customers wanted. But as she grew more confident, she began to add her own creative touch, trusting her instincts to know when to push boundaries. This was when she started leaving her unmistakable signature on each project—designs that told stories, evoked emotion, and turned vehicles into moving art pieces.
Off-Roading and the Call of Baja
Beyond the shop, Theresa found freedom behind the wheel. Trips with her family to Baja, Mexico, opened her eyes to the magic of off-roading. The camaraderie, the thrill of adventure, and the challenge of navigating rugged terrain became more than just hobbies—they became a way of life.
For Theresa, off-roading wasn’t just about speed or competition. It was about connection. On the trail, if someone broke down, others always stopped to help. That sense of community mirrored the spirit she wanted to bring into her professional and creative work.
Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Motorsports
In an industry often dominated by men, Theresa has always stood out—not just because she is a woman, but because she has consistently brought her A-game. She credits her parents with instilling the mindset that nothing is off limits. She never saw herself as “different” for being female in the shop or on the track.
In fact, the doubt she sometimes faced only fueled her drive. If someone said she couldn’t do it, her response was always the same: Watch me.
Her fearless spirit not only earned her respect but also inspired countless others. She began to see that her presence could encourage more women and girls to follow their passions in motorsports, design, and skilled trades.
The Real Deal Revolution
One of the most important chapters in Theresa’s journey came when she met her best friend and collaborator, Jessie Combs. Together, they shared a vision to create something bigger than themselves. That vision became Real Deal Revolution, an organization dedicated to empowering women through skilled trades, custom design, and motorsports.
Theresa and Jessie worked side by side—teaching welding, pinstriping, fabrication, and other hands-on skills. Their mission was to revolutionize the perception of women in trades and to show young girls that they were capable of so much more than society often told them.
The name “Real Deal” wasn’t just a catchy phrase. It represented the grit, authenticity, and drive that both women embodied. Tragically, Jessie passed away in 2019 while chasing land-speed records, but her spirit continues to fuel the mission. For Theresa, carrying on Real Deal Revolution is not just a tribute to Jessie but a calling she knows she must pursue.
Carrying the Torch Forward
After Jessie’s passing, Theresa admits there was a period of doubt. Should she continue? Could she keep the vision alive? But the answer became clear as more people rallied around her. She realized that the work they had started together was too important to stop.
Today, Theresa continues to lead workshops, events, and community projects that empower the next generation. Real Deal Revolution remains a thriving platform where women can learn, create, and discover their potential in skilled trades and motorsports.
Staying True to Herself
Through every twist and turn, Theresa’s advice has stayed simple: Stay true to you. She believes that every person is unique, and the key to happiness is embracing who you are. Forget stereotypes, ignore the pressure to fit in, and lean into what makes you different.
When people like themselves for who they are, others naturally follow. For Theresa, that philosophy has fueled a career that blends art, adventure, community, and empowerment.
Why Her Story Inspires
Theresa Contreras isn’t just a custom painter, off-roader, or motorsports enthusiast. She’s a trailblazer who has built a life around passion, resilience, and creativity. She proves that opportunities often come disguised as challenges, and with the right mindset, anyone can turn those moments into defining chapters of their story.
Her laughter, fearless energy, and determination to share her knowledge make her one of the most inspiring figures in the world of motorsports. From the paint booth to the desert trails, Theresa continues to show the world what it means to design your own lane—and drive it full throttle.
