Lifestyle

Bestselling and Award Winning Author Lee Mathew Goldberg Discusses His Latest Work, The Ancestor

Published

5 years ago

November 12, 2020

Lee Matthew Goldberg is the author of THE ANCESTOR, THE DESIRE CARD, SLOW DOWN and THE MENTOR from St. Martin’s Press. He has been published in multiple languages and nominated for the 2018 Prix du Polar. ORANGE CITY, his first sci-fi novel, is forthcoming in 2021. His pilots and screenplays have been finalists in Script Pipeline, Book Pipeline, Stage 32, We Screenplay, the New York Screenplay, Screencraft, and the Hollywood Screenplay contests. Lee’s Latest book THE ANCESTOR is a work of pure mastery, from start to finish the story captivates as much as it enthralls the mind and senses. We had a chace to catch up with Lee for an exclusive interview. This is what he shared up with us.

Talk to us about The Ancestor and how the historical aspect of the book linked together to formulate the plot and storyline in the book?

The Ancestor is about a man who wakes up in the Alaskan wilderness with amnesia and believes he was a prospector from the Gold Rush in the 1890s. About a third of the book takes place in the 1890s as he remembers what led him to be frozen, so the novel is really a mix of historical and a present era. As he recalls more parts of the era, who he was become revealed as well that affects him in the present since he did many bad things back then in pursuit of gold.

Within every good story comes a lot of research, in The Ancestor the story takes place in Alaska, how did you come about using Alaska as the place in which the story would take place and was it difficult to come envision the characters walking through the Alaskan forefront?

Yeah, there was a lot of research for this one. I read a ton of books that took place in Alaska and during the Gold Rush there like Klondike by Pierre Berton and the Floor of Heaven by Howard Blum. Since the book takes place in a made-up town, I didn’t want to visit Alaska and have it color my imagination too much. It was also written during a very cold and frozen winter in New York City, so it wasn’t too hard to imagine the cold and snow.

All of your books can be paved for the movies, The Ancestor is no exception, if you can pick any Hollywood actor to play the role of the lead character Wyatt, who would it be and why?

100 percent Jake Gyllenhaal. So if you reading this Jake Gyllenhaal give me a call! Not only is he a great actor but he takes chances with his roles going back all the way to Donnie Darko. This would be. dual role, since he would also play Wyatt’s supposed descendant Travis. It’s definitely a meaty roll he can dig his acting teeth into!

You have been writing for many years, is there a common theme in your style of writing and if so how could a new writer adapt that theme to develop their own style of writing?

My books have a lot of thriller elements to them and tend to deal with obsessions. My debut is about a man trying to break into Hollywood who does some terrible things. My next book the Mentor deals with obsessive writers and The Ancestor is about a man obsessed with learning who he was and a new family who reminds him of his own. I say you should always write what interests you rather than what you think a reader may like. A style of writing tends to develop naturally.

Now that The Ancestor is behind you I am sure your fans want to know, what’s next? Do you have any projects in the works and have you given any thought of writing your next book outside NYC?

Yes, I have a YA series coming up in 2021 about a girl in the 1990s grunge scene who runs away from home to become a singer. The starts in LA up to Seattle so there’s no NYC in that one!

Lifestyle

K-Beauty Meets Sustainability: Why SoloVegan Is the Brand to Watch

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo Courtesy of: SoloVegan

By: Gerome Alvarez

SoloVegan is carving its path in a beauty industry dominated by aesthetics and fleeting trends. This Korean-inspired skincare brand aims to make high-performance, sustainable, and affordable products accessible to all. With a unique blend of advanced K-beauty innovation and ethical responsibility, SoloVegan is quickly becoming a name that beauty enthusiasts and conscious consumers alike cannot ignore.

The brand’s growth is impressive. With products now available in over 500 retail locations across North America, SoloVegan is living proof that skincare can be effective, ethical, and affordable. At a time when consumers demand more from the brands they support, SoloVegan delivers solutions that truly resonate.

The Glow-Up of K-Beauty and Clean Beauty

Korean Beauty, or K-beauty, has built a reputation for its innovative formulas, layered skincare routines, and effective results. SoloVegan combines these principles with the rising demand for clean beauty, offering plant-based, cruelty-free products free of harmful additives. Sustainability is a feature at the heart of SoloVegan’s mission.

Its product lineup reflects this commitment. The Glow & Dew You Brightening Serum, a fan favorite, is formulated with kojic acid and niacinamide to brighten skin and improve uneven tone. The Don’t Pop to Me Pimple Patches are another standout, offering quick and effective solutions for acne-prone skin. SoloVegan’s Guava Lip Duo adds a nourishing touch to daily routines.

“Skincare does not have to be a compromise between performance and ethics,” says the SoloVegan team. “We are proud to offer products that work while staying true to our commitment to sustainability.”

The brand’s eco-friendly packaging is yet another way it aligns with today’s consumers’ values. From concept to creation, SoloVegan ensures its products support skin health and the planet’s well-being.

More Than Skincare: A Brand with Heart

SoloVegan is not just a skincare brand but a brand with a bigger purpose. Beyond delivering high-quality products, the company empowers individuals and communities. Its partnership with CareerVillage.org, a platform that connects young people with professionals for career advice, is a testament to its commitment to making a difference.

“Partnering with CareerVillage.org allows us to contribute to something larger than ourselves,” says the team at SoloVegan. “It is about equipping the next generation with tools and advice to build their future.”

This initiative reflects the brand’s belief that beauty extends beyond skin deep. SoloVegan is changing what it means to be a socially responsible brand in the beauty industry by engaging with communities and fostering meaningful connections.

From Store Shelves to Shopping Carts

SoloVegan’s journey to becoming a retail staple is nothing short of impressive. The brand’s products are now available in over 500 stores across North America, including major retailers like Walmart Canada, Meijer, and King Soopers. Its online store, gosolovegan.com, further expands its reach, offering convenience for customers who prefer to shop digitally.

This growth is backed by strong financial performance. SoloVegan generates $20 million in annual revenue and has achieved a 12 percent year-over-year growth rate. Such numbers underscore the brand’s ability to connect with consumers and meet the demand for affordable, high-quality skincare.

Competing in a crowded market is no small feat, but SoloVegan stands tall against rivals like Bubble Skincare, Naturium, and Byoma. Its distinct combination of K-beauty origins, clean formulations, and community-driven initiatives gives it an undeniable edge.

“People want more than products, they want to believe in a brand’s story,” says the SoloVegan team. “We aim to be a brand that consumers trust and feel good about supporting.”

Where SoloVegan Is Headed

As SoloVegan looks into the future, it is clear that the brand is not slowing down. Its short-term goals include expanding its geographic presence and focusing on strengthening its position in Mexico and other untapped North American markets. It also invests in digital strategies to increase visibility and build trust through search engines and social media.

In the long term, SoloVegan envisions itself as a leader in the clean beauty movement, leveraging the industry’s projected growth to make an even bigger impact. The brand’s ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to its core values positions it for continued success.

SoloVegan’s journey involves blending science, sustainability, and heart. It proves that beauty is not just about what you put on your skin, it is about the values you support and the impact you make.

Why SoloVegan Is the One to Watch

Consumers are inundated with options but SoloVegan’s authenticity and commitment stand out. It delivers on its promise to provide skincare that works while supporting a sustainable future. For those seeking skincare that is as ethical as it is effective, SoloVegan is the answer. The brand is not just changing beauty but making it better.