A heavily tattooed woman has gone viral on TikTok after sharing her disappointment about being turned down for a job at TJ Maxx (known as TK Maxx in the UK). Ash Putnam, who has visible tattoos on her face and neck, believes her appearance played a role in the company’s decision, despite being told it was about experience.
After receiving a generic rejection email, Ash visited the store to ask directly. A manager claimed the role went to someone with more experience, but Ash wasn’t convinced. “I asked if it was because of my tattoos,” she said. “She said no, but I just don’t believe that.”
Ash defended her appearance, saying her tattoos don’t define her professionalism. “Just because I have ink doesn’t mean I’m not capable or smart,” she said, explaining that her body art is deeply personal—many of them inspired by her love for music and her father.
One tattoo, a spider on her neck, has drawn the most attention—and criticism. Her video gained over 8.5 million views, sparking mixed reactions. Some viewers stood up for her, while others made harsh comments, suggesting she work in tattoo parlors or Halloween stores instead.
Still, Ash stands by her look. “People think I look scary,” she told The Daily Star. “But I won’t change myself just to land a minimum-wage job.” Though she’s having one forehead tattoo removed, she plans to replace it with something new. Her ink, she says, is a part of who she is.
@ashxobrien I want to know who is also having a hard time finding a job right now! #jobs #jobmarket ♬ original sound – Ash Putnam🖤
Her experience has reignited the broader conversation about how visible tattoos are perceived in the workplace. While tattoos are increasingly accepted in modern society, hiring bias still seems to linger.
So, what do you think—should tattoos still impact someone’s chances of being hired? Let us know in the comments 👇
