Previously owners of the market stall Orlando Plenty, Sappho and Ryan opened up a new cafe called The Lanterns earlier this year in Dunalley.

Where did you two grow up and where do you live now? Ryan: We’re actually both from Tasmania, but from opposite ends of the state; Sappho’s first family home was in Taroona, I spent most of my childhood in the West Tamar region. We live just back from the Carlton River on a few acres.

Why did you choose Dunalley for The Lanterns, and what does that area mean to you? Dunalley is such a beautiful town, and it really is a bit of a crossroads for a number of communi­ties, from the Southern Beaches, Bream Creek and surrounds, as well as being the gateway to the Tasman Peninsula. Community is everything to us. Dunalley has shown such resilience in the past few years, we wanted to open a space that provided locals a spot to meet; a familiar and welcoming place. It’s a place for everyone and we’ve really been shown incredible support from the whole district in our first year.

Why did you decide to name your business The Lanterns? We wanted to choose a name that had a connection to place, The Lanterns being the name of the famously steep group of islands off the Tasman Peninsula. Obviously a lantern is a light source itself, and it just ties in to our ethos of showcasing Tasmanian produce, especially from the region.

In what ways does The Lanterns continue the legacy of your caravan/ market stall, Orlando Plenty? Orlando was always about the produce, sourcing seasonally and locally and we brought this with us to events and catering all over Tasmania. It’s really nice for us to land here in the south-east after so many years and focus on highlighting the produce of this particular part of the world.

How do you balance the demands of running a small business with raising a family? Life’s definitely busy! I guess we don’t really separate the two things, our business is so intertwined with our values as parents. Our children definitely come along for the ride and we like to think they’ve had some pretty unique experi­ences, but just taking some time at the end of each day to be together is important – afternoons at the river are a must!

Who do you admire? Sappho: All mothers everywhere, especially those facing oppression or war. Ryan: *points at Sappho*.

Favourite podcast or tv show? Sappho: Would I Lie to You is pretty great at the end of the day. Ryan: The Mighty Boosh and all the associated shows like Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace and Snuff Box etc.

Secret vice? Sappho: Love a glass of bubbles but I don’t think it’s much of a secret. Ryan: the song Dance Commander by Electric Six.

What are you reading now? Sappho: Landscape and Memory by Simon Schama. Ryan: We’re about to launch a new menu at The Lanterns so, I’ve only really had my nose in various inspiration sources for that.

Do you have any pets? We have an eight year old black lab X called Queenie who is so full of beans, everyone thinks she’s still a pup.

What was your first job? Sappho: Hospitality of course, I waited tables and Ryan worked in the kitchen at The Charles St. Pantry.

What are your daily news/social media habits? We use social media quite a bit for business and it’s also a convenient way to catch up on news. We both love a bit of Radio National – we spend quite a bit of time on the road so the radio is a handy way to stay connected.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Marla Singer.

Lunch: Trophy Room.

Dinner: Fico.

Favourite team? Ryan: Charli XCX’s marketing team.

Dream holiday destination? Sappho: Back to Antarctica every time but with my family. Ryan: Iceland would be amazing, I would love to return to Japan with our little ones too.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? Sappho: A special little cottage with its own secret beach, that’s all I can say. Ryan: Haha I almost gave it away! Yeah, that one…

Parting words? Sappho: World peace now. Ryan: Life is short, eat the cake and be kind to one another.