Every month is Women’s Month at Woman to Woman. For this issue, we wanted to lean in a bit extra to celebrate all of the incredible women in our lives and those in the past that paved the way. That brings us to this month’s issue. Our cover model is a nationally syndicated television host with a mission of “hope.” Who couldn’t use a little more of that in their lives? She brings seemingly limitless determination and genuine energy to the table. We’re delighted to share a bit of her story with our readers.
The remainder of our issue showcases an artist who has traveled the world over sharing her ability and is now sharing with us! A business expert highlights how we can be more honest with ourselves and our time. We have a unique approach to self-care from a special stylist. Ready to drool? We have an incredible, bursting with flavor recipe from a real French pastry chef who is living out her dreams one pastry at a time. The recipe may be one of the most challenging we’ve shared, but it’s one challenge worth accepting (...it’s Women’s Month, you got this!) There’s all of that and more!
It’s been such a pleasure connecting with women from near and far to make this issue come to life. You deserve it and we’re happy to provide!
All the best, Nichole
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Whitney Reynolds’ story
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Coffee chats have become a default networking strategy, especially in professional circles where relationship-building is key. While they can be valuable, requesting one is not always the best move. Too often, people blindly request a chat without considering whether it’s the right approach. This can make the person on the receiving end feel as though the outreach is transactional and burdensome.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of virtual coffee chats as professionals sought ways to connect with others while on lockdown or working remotely. Platforms like Zoom saw exponential growth, and many in-person networking strategies adapted to a digital format. However, over-reliance on coffee chats can be overwhelming to keep up with and not always the best approach depending on the situation. The key is understanding when asking for a coffee chat is beneficial and when another approach might be more appropriate.
The term "coffee chat" originates from informal meetings people would have over a cup of coffee, usually in a café or other meeting space, to have business or career conversations in a relaxed setting. The term has evolved to include virtual meetings, using video conferencing software or traditional phone calls. These conversations typically last around 30 minutes, making them a quick yet effective way to build connections. Depending on the context, coffee chats can also be referred to as networking chats, connect calls, or catch-up calls.
While coffee chats can be helpful in building relationships, they work best when approached with intention. The best ones lead to career insights, business opportunities, or strong professional relationships. A coffee chat doesn’t have to always involve asking for or requesting information. Sometimes, it’s simply about getting to know someone better, exchanging perspectives, or exploring shared interests. A well-structured coffee chat can be an opportunity to build genuine rapport without any immediate agenda.
LinkedIn is a popular channel for coffee chat requests in many professional contexts. While not the only online platform available for networking, LinkedIn makes it easier to identify mutual connections, engage with someone’s content before reaching out, and provide context for your request.
Cold Outreach Doesn’t Warrant Big Asks
When a person receives a coffee chat request from someone they don’t know, it could feel off-putting and intrusive to them. If you barely know someone or have never engaged with them before, why should they take 30 minutes out of their day for you? Before asking for a meeting, consider:
• Have you supported their work in some way?
• Have you interacted with their LinkedIn content if they are active?
• Do they even know who you are?
Instead of rushing to a coffee chat, start with a warm introduction. Comment on their posts, engage in meaningful discussion, and make your presence known before making an ask.
Time is a Valuable Currency
Professionals are busier than ever, and their time is not freely available to every request. A vague “let’s hop on a call” message doesn’t create urgency or value for the recipient. If your request benefits only you, it’s likely to be ignored or declined. Before requesting time, ask yourself:
• What’s in it for them?
• Can you ask a quick question through direct message or email instead?
• Would a short voice note accomplish the same goal?
People generally want to help others, so there doesn’t always have to be something of immediate value for the recipient. Therefore, providing some context for your request, whether it’s a mutual interest, shared industry, or specific insight you’re seeking, can make it easier for them to say yes.
Not Every Conversation Requires a Meeting
Many networking asks can be handled without a live conversation. A direct message, voice note, or email is often more than enough if you’re reaching out with a quick question, seeking a resource, or expressing admiration. Examples of networking asks that don’t require a coffee chat:
• “I saw you speak at [event] and really appreciated your perspective. I was wondering if you could recommend a good book on this topic?”
• “I admire your work in [industry]. May I ask, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out?”
• “I noticed you’ve had an interesting career path. If you’re open to sharing, what motivated you to transition from [previous role] to [current role]?”
These types of requests build rapport without requesting time from the other person.
Instead of defaulting to “Would you be open to having a coffee chat?,” try these more effective approaches:
• Engage first. If they are active on LinkedIn, comment on their posts, support their work, and be present in their conversations. If the other person is not active online, try finding mutual connections who can introduce you or reference shared experiences in your outreach.
• Be specific. If you do decide to ask for a meeting, clarify what the conversation is about and why it makes sense for both of you.
• Offer an alternative. If a call isn’t necessary, consider sending a concise question via message and show respect for their time.
Your outreach method should match the strength of your relationship:
• Cold Contact (No Prior Relationship): Start with a comment on a LinkedIn post, a personalized message expressing intent, or an email introduction through a mutual connection.
• Warm Contact (Some Prior Interaction): Send a direct message, a thoughtful email, or a casual ask for a brief coffee chat.
• Strong Contact (Established Relationship): A call or in-person meet-up makes sense when there’s already familiarity and mutual interest or benefit.
Coffee chats are enjoyable and a great way to connect with new people and gain information. However, strategic networking isn’t about the number of coffee chats you can fill on your calendar. Instead, it’s about building meaningful connections and relationships. A well-placed question, a shared resource, or an insightful comment can be more effective than an unnecessary request for a 30-minute chat.
When done well, coffee chats can be an effective tool for career and business growth. They provide an opportunity to create stronger connections and foster more productive conversations. However, they should not be the default method for every connection.
Before you ask someone for a coffee chat, pause and consider whether it’s the right move. Being more thoughtful about your outreach will make networking work for you, not against you.
Dr. Uzoma F. Obidike is a Career Transition Coach and founder of She Leads Beautifully. Her mission is to teach women in stagnant careers how to tap into their networks to access dream career opportunities. Dr. Uzoma's expertise extends to her role as a career development professional at National Louis University, where she prepares college students for their successful career journeys. Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Uzoma enjoys spending time with her husband and 4-year-old daughter, listening to podcasts, and playing The Sims 4.
SELF CARE with
How many times have you stood in your closet, gazing at rows of hangers full of clothes, and felt like you had nothing to wear? Have you ever seen a friend wear an outfit that looks like it was made for her, so you buy it, and wonder why you feel completely uncomfortable wearing it? Do you feel like black is your go-to color, because it’s easy? How about makeup? Have you ever been sold on the “perfect” lipstick, only to get out to your car in the parking lot, look in the rear view mirror ready to admire your new color, and are shocked at how it looks nothing like it did when you tried it on in the store only a few moments ago? If any of these scenarios resonate with you, congratulations. You are completely normal.
We are coming up on the time of year traditionally associated with de-cluttering, simplifying, and organizing - AKA spring cleaning. It feels so good to do these things. But what if you could do these things with more intention and empowerment for yourself? This is where “color” and “style” can come into play.
House of Colour is considered the gold standard in color analysis. We are a UK-based company that just celebrated our 40th anniversary. The methods we use are scientifically based, using our precision dyed drapes. In a color analysis, we will determine which color palette harmonizes best with your unique genetic makeup and undertones, which are the subtle hues deeper in your skin. These color palettes are divided into the four “seasons”, with each season having their own attributes for the colors within them (Autumn-earthy, warm, and vibrant, Spring-bright, warm, and splashy, Winter-cool, icy, high contrast value, and Summer-muted, cool, blended). The great thing is that whatever “season” you are found to be will never change. The overtones of your skin may change throughout the year, based on your time spent in the sun and other factors, but your undertones will never change. This means your season is your season for life.
We also talk in depth about makeup. Think back to the scenario of trying on the “perfect” lipstick, and then not feeling like it’s so perfect anymore once you get out of the store. Chances are this lipstick isn’t in your season. And when you try something on in artificial lighting it is going to look different once you are in natural “real” light. Approximately 90 percent of women wear makeup that falls into the Autumn palette. If you are not an Autumn, this is not going to serve you as well as makeup tones in your palette would.
If a color analysis is the first step, a style analysis is the final piece of the puzzle.
Did you know you have less than six seconds to make a first impression? That is how long it takes for someone to form their initial opinion of you. Pretty quick right? In a style session, we take not only your body architecture into account, but we also do a deep dive into your personality. Style is what feels good for you, authentically expresses who you are, and also allows you the freedom to put out how you want to be perceived. That in itself is extremely empowering.
When you feel good, you do good. House of Colour utilizes six different archetypes, and using the data we collect, I will give you two of the archetypes as your “Clothing Personality” for you to individualize and use to express your authentic self. We talk about shapes, cuts of clothing, necklines, hemlines, leg styles on pants, rises, accessories, and so much more tailored individually to you.
Going back to thinking about something that looks great on a friend, or someone you see walking down the street. Then you might try it, and it just doesn’t feel “right”. This is style in action. Some people do trends well, and some people prefer more traditional, classic pieces. Some people need larger scale prints and accessories, while others are overwhelmed with them, and require something smaller scale or more simple. Once you have this information, it literally makes it all make sense.
Let’s go back to thinking about standing in your closet with the feeling that you had nothing to wear. What if you had an entire wardrobe that was tailored to you, and every piece coordinated with each other? I tell clients to divide their wardrobe into pieces in your seasonal palette, and things that aren’t. I then say to see which you gravitate towards. If you find yourself leaning into your season, and not wearing things out of your season (which is pretty typical), maybe it’s time to donate those items to someone who they could serve better. The most expensive thing in your closet is the thing you don’t wear, and every item in your closet should feel like an eight, nine, or ten for you. Think about taking the guesswork out of shopping for new pieces. If you see something in store or online but it isn’t in your color palette and clothing personality, you can pass it up no problem. We are overwhelmed with shopping choices these days.
Everything is in excess. Color and style help you shop with more intention, create less waste, and know you are curating a wardrobe that you are excited to wear and is going to accentuate who you are and make you shine.
Life is busy. We are all busy, running in different directions with work, kids, sports, travel, appointments…the list goes on and on. When we are so busy taking care of schedules and the needs of others, it is easy to put ourselves on the back burner. Unfortunately, sometimes we start to feel lost. I have the privilege of seeing clients from all walks of life wanting to streamline their wardrobe, feel better getting ready every day, going through life changes, a new job, divorce, health issues, aging, going to college, getting married the list is long and hearing my clients “why”, and connecting with them is the reason I do what I do. It brings me so much joy, and I love helping people bring some joy into their lives. If there is a small hack to simplify something in life, and have the bonus of feeling good doing it, it’s a win win.
Kate Horton has been a stylist with House of Colour-Manhattan since 2023. She joined the company after having her own color and style analysis done in 2021. She knew she wanted to help others find the joy, happiness and ease this information brought to her life. Her goal as a stylist is to make people feel comfortable, confident and amazing. She is originally from Nebraska and currently resides in Manhattan, Ill. with her family. When she’s not immersed in the world of color and style, you can find her teaching reformer Pilates or cheering on her kids on at their hockey or basketball games.
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words to live by
with Teri Healy
Teri Healy is a speaker, coach and visionary. Her clients span the globe and include Fortune 100 company senior executives, sales professionals and entrepreneurs. She supports her clients in personal and professional transformation. Teri lives in Cedar Lake, Ind. and enjoys live music, photography and travelling. She is passionate about volunteering in her community and is committed to touching 10 million lives in her lifetime. You can find her at terihealy.com.
Bao Ngoc Do Phan - Bui is the owner, founder and pastry chef behind Bao Pastry. She and her husband Hà along with their children, relocated from Paris, France to the United States in March 2018, ultimately settling in Valparaiso, Ind. Prior to that, after graduating in 2015 from the Paris Auguste Escoffier School with a pastry degree, she worked with several pastry boutiques and bakeries in Paris honing her craft and building upon her experience. When she first came to the U.S. she and her husband did the farmers’ market circuit. In May 2020, they opened their first brick-and-mortar store where they’ve continued to offer authentic French pastries and traditional desserts. This year, they’ll open a Parisian-inspired high-tea room in their beloved hometown.
JENNA MORELLO 39 | BROOKLYN, N.Y.
Name of piece: Saint Liberty
Inspiration: My religious love of New York City. I was born in New Jersey and have lived in New York for the last 20 years. It was always my dream when I was younger to live there.
