Woman with face tattoos rants after store denies her retail job

A woman covered in tattoos recently took to the internet to express her frustration after being turned down for a retail job at TJ Maxx. Instead of receiving sympathy, she was met with a reality check from online users, who pointed out that having "tattoos and facial piercings" can be "career killers," making her "undesirable" in the job market.

Ash Putnam, known online as ashxobrien, shared her disappointment in a TikTok video, claiming that TJ Maxx rejected her application for a store position.

"I submitted my application to TJ Maxx a few weeks ago, and they turned me down," the 24-year-old stated in the viral clip, which has amassed over 7 million views. "They didn’t even bother to call me. All I got was an automated rejection email."

Wanting some clarification, Putnam—who has numerous tattoos covering her face and body, along with multiple facial piercings—decided to approach the store’s hiring manager.

"I went in today and asked, 'Why wasn’t I selected for the position?' The manager responded, ‘You just don’t have enough experience. We had applicants who were more qualified than you,’” she recounted.

"I then asked her outright if my tattoos played a role in the decision. I know a lot of businesses aren’t fond of visible tattoos. She assured me that wasn’t the case, but honestly, I don’t believe that. Either way, I’ll leave it at that."

‘It doesn’t add up’

Hoping for insight from social media users, Putnam questioned in her video, “How are teenagers and young adults with no previous work experience expected to secure jobs?”

"If companies are only hiring individuals based on prior experience, how is anyone supposed to enter the workforce? It just doesn’t make sense to me."

Before ending the video, she encouraged her followers to share any struggles they’ve faced while trying to get employed.

"I want to know if I’m alone in this. It’s frustrating that my tattoos seem to define whether or not I get hired,” she added. "Having tattoos doesn’t mean I won’t be a hardworking employee."

‘Not fit for work’

Her story resonated with many viewers, sparking a wave of opinions in the comment section.

"Maybe it’s the demon spider?" one user quipped, referencing the large tattoo extending from her neck to her lower cheeks.

"You could be a bartender, a tattoo artist, an extra in a prison film, or maybe a bassist for Motley Crue," joked another TikTok user, while someone else simply commented, "Unhirable."

Several people speculated that the issue wasn’t her tattoos in general, but rather their placement. "There’s a reason why tattoo artists call face tattoos ‘career killers,’” one commenter noted.

Another added, "I don’t think it’s the fact that you have tattoos—I think it’s where you have them." A third person chimed in, "I have tattoos all over my body except my face…and I can get a job anywhere. Let’s be real."

Offering professional input, one individual, who claimed to be an HR supervisor, shared, "No company like TJ Maxx would place you in a customer-facing role with that appearance."

Additionally, a former TJ Maxx hiring manager confirmed these suspicions: "I used to handle hiring for TJ Maxx, and I can tell you—it’s the tattoos and piercings on your face."

‘A sign of individuality’

Over the years, body art has become more widely accepted in workplaces. However, individuals with extensive tattoos—like Putnam—still face difficulties, particularly in roles that involve direct interaction with customers.

If her tattoos were the reason she wasn’t offered the job, Putnam told the Daily Star that companies should reconsider their hiring practices.

"If they believe tattoos determine someone’s qualifications or work ethic, they really need to rethink their standards. Tattoos, piercings, and colorful hair aren’t unprofessional. They represent creativity and individuality... people need to stop being so judgmental about body art."

If you were in charge of hiring employees, would you consider someone with visible tattoos and piercings? Share your thoughts and spread this story to keep the conversation going!