From a young age, Stuttgart-born Megumi Ito always felt "a bit different" from people in her seaside home of Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Both her father and grandfather worked in Europe as architects, and the entire family were great fans of the region's various styles and cultures, which had become an integral part of their lives. On returning to Japan, her parents were determined to instill their passion for Europe in 5-year-old Ito — and they were successful.

Now, more than 40 years later, Ito is a light designer in Vienna, Austria, preparing to celebrate 20 years of running her own business in 2018.