From S.W.A.T. Star to Jewelry Designer: David Lim is Turning Life’s Challenges into Creativity
- laurie2769
- Feb 25
- 5 min read
From his role on S.W.A.T. to launching his jewelry line, David Lim opens up about a painful burglary, balancing acting and entrepreneurship, and finding inspiration in Miami.
Photo by Manfred Baumann
From high-stakes action on S.W.A.T. to launching a meaningful jewelry brand, David Lim is a man of many talents. As ‘Special Agent Victor Tan,’ he’s spent seasons bringing intensity, heart, and authenticity to the hit CBS series, but his passion extends far beyond the screen. Whether it’s designing jewelry with a deeper purpose through him and his wife’s brand, Maya David, or dreaming up the perfect S.W.A.T. storyline set in Miami, Lim is always looking for new ways to challenge himself creatively. In this interview, he opens up about his journey on S.W.A.T., the deeply personal story behind his jewelry line, and why Miami might just be the perfect place for his next adventure.
Miami Living: You’ve been playing Victor Tan on S.W.A.T. for several seasons now. How has the character evolved, and what can fans expect from him in Season 8?
David Lim: Tan started off as the younger guy on the team, always eager to prove himself. Over the seasons, we’ve seen him mature, face personal struggles, and step up as a leader. In Season 8, fans can expect more intensity—higher stakes, deeper team dynamics, a new relationship, and being pushed in ways he hasn’t before. And of course, a lot of running and fighting!
Miami Living: How has working on S.W.A.T. influenced you personally? Have there been any moments on set that have particularly stuck with you?
David Lim: Playing Tan has definitely changed me. Spending years in a role like this, working with real SWAT officers, has given me a huge appreciation for what these guys do in real life. One moment that stuck with me was filming my first-ever breach scene in the pilot—it was so technical and intense, and I remember thinking, "This is the closest I’ll ever get to being in a real tactical operation." It was an adrenaline rush, and it made me respect the job even more.
Miami Living: Miami has been the backdrop for some legendary action films and crime dramas. If S.W.A.T. ever filmed in Miami, what kind of scenes or storylines would you love to explore?
David Lim: Oh man, if S.W.A.T. ever shot in Miami, you know we’d have to go big. I’d love to see Tan and the team chasing a cartel through the Everglades—boats, helicopters, high-speed chases, maybe even an underwater dive scene. And let’s be real, Tan would absolutely find a way to sneak in some beach time.
Miami Living: The inspiration behind your jewelry line, Maya David, is deeply personal. Can you take us through the story behind the project, and to the moment when you and Marketa decided to turn your pain into something creative?
David Lim: After our home was burglarized, we lost pieces that meant a lot to us. It wasn’t about the material value—it was about the memories tied to them. That’s when we realized how powerful jewelry can be. We started Maya David because we wanted to create meaningful pieces—designs that aren’t just accessories, but reminders of moments, people, and your personal journey.
Photo by Jonathan Davino
Miami Living: Travel and nature are big inspirations for the collection. Are there any specific places or experiences that influenced the designs?
David Lim: Definitely. Hawaii has been a huge influence—the raw beauty of the islands, the connection to nature. Our Apatite bracelet, for example, was inspired by the deep blue hues of the Pacific ocean. And then there’s Joshua Tree—its vastness, the rugged desert landscape—that inspired some of our earth-toned pieces. Every collection is shaped by places that leave an impact on us.
Miami Living: Miami’s culture is full of bold fashion, luxury, and statement pieces. How do you think Maya David jewelry fits into the Miami aesthetic?
David Lim: Miami has this effortless blend of high fashion and beach culture. Maya David fits right into that—it’s versatile. You can wear it with swim trunks on South Beach or layer it up with a sleek outfit for a night out in Brickell. Our pieces are refined but not flashy, which I think aligns with Miami’s cool confidence.
Miami Living: Given Miami’s international appeal, do you see Maya David expanding into the Miami market, whether through pop-ups, collaborations, or special collections inspired by the city?
David Lim: Absolutely. Miami has such a strong fashion and lifestyle scene that it’s a natural fit for Maya David. Pop-ups, collaborations—there’s a lot of potential. We’d love to bring the brand there in a bigger way.
Miami Living: If you could design a Maya David collection inspired by Miami, what elements would you incorporate into the jewelry?
David Lim: I’d play with ocean blues, sandy neutrals, and sleek gold accents—something that captures both the energy of the city and the calm of the coastline. Maybe some woven textures inspired by Miami’s Art Deco patterns, and a piece that pays homage to the Cuban link chain, but with a unique Maya David twist.
Photo by Jonathan Davino
Miami Living: Experiencing a home burglary can be incredibly traumatic. How did that event shift your perspective on security, personal space, and even material possessions?
David Lim: It definitely changed how I see security. I used to think, “It won’t happen to me.” Now, I take every precaution—cameras, alarms, reinforced locks. But beyond that, it changed my relationship with material things. You realize the most valuable things in life aren’t replaceable, and that’s what led us to create something that holds meaning beyond just aesthetics.
Miami Living: The jewelry you lost had sentimental value that couldn’t be replaced. Have you created any pieces in Maya David that hold new, deeply personal meaning for you and Marketa?
David Lim: Yeah, a few. One of the first bracelets we designed was actually inspired by a piece I lost in the burglary. It’s different, but it carries the same energy. And Marketa wears a sunstone bracelet I made for her every day—it represents the start of something new for us.
Miami Living: With S.W.A.T. back on the air and Maya David growing, what excites you most about this next chapter in your life?
David Lim: Right now, I’m excited to keep building and growing as an actor and entrepreneur. S.W.A.T. hitting Season 8 and 150 episodes is a huge milestone, and with Maya David, we’re just getting started. It’s a crazy balance, but I love the challenge.
You can watch season 8 of S.W.A.T. weekly on CBS, or stream it on various platforms. Check out the Maya David jewelry line on their website, https://shopmayadavid.com/. Follow David on Instagram @davidbradleylim.
