Pronoic.net can stand in for the missing mutual contact: two assistants compare allowed fields, and both people accept before details move. That is a double opt-in, not a forwarded email. If you do have a mutual contact, ask them with the short note below. A meeting is not promised.

A note you can send a mutual contact

Subject: Intro to Sam, only if they want it.

Body: I am looking for a brand designer who has shipped a packaging system. Would you ask Sam if they want an intro? If they say no, that is a complete answer. I will not write to them unless they say yes.

Send that only to someone who actually knows both of you. Do not invent a relationship.