She Says Her Tattoos Cost Her a Job—But Was It Really About Experience? The Internet Can’t Stop Debating

Ash Putnam, a 24-year-old content creator better known by her TikTok handle ashxobrien, recently set off a wave of debate after posting a video about a retail job rejection that she believes wasn’t entirely fair. Her story, which quickly garnered more than 7 million views, has turned into a lightning rod for a much bigger question: Do visible tattoos and piercings still limit job opportunities in 2025?

According to Ash, she had applied for a position at TJ Maxx but was turned down via an automated rejection email. The lack of any personal response left her wondering if her appearance—specifically the extensive tattoos and piercings that adorn her face—was the real reason behind the company’s decision.

“I applied to TJ Maxx a few weeks ago and they denied my application,” Ash said in the viral TikTok. “They couldn’t even call me. They just sent me some automated email.”

Rather than let the rejection slide, she decided to get answers directly. Ash walked into the store and asked to speak with the hiring manager, hoping to find out what went wrong.

“I went in today and was like, ‘What was the reason I didn’t get hired?’” she explained. “And she said, ‘Oh, you just don’t have enough experience. There [were] candidates with more experience than you.’”

Ash then asked what many viewers were thinking: “Was it because of my tattoos?” According to her, the manager denied it. But Ash, and thousands of others watching, weren’t entirely convinced.

@ashxobrien I want to know who is also having a hard time finding a job right now! #jobs #jobmarket ♬ original sound - Ash Putnam🖤🇺🇸

“How Are Young Adults Supposed to Get Jobs?”

Ash’s follow-up question touched a nerve with viewers across the internet: “How are teenagers and young adults who haven’t had a job before supposed to get employed if these places are only hiring people based on experience?”

Her frustration is far from unique. In industries like retail—where many young people get their start—experience is often a luxury applicants don’t have. And while appearance-based discrimination isn’t new, Ash’s case raises the stakes in an era when tattoos are more common than ever, yet still controversial in professional environments.

“I want to see if I’m the only one experiencing this,” she said. “I hate that my tattoos have been such a defining factor in me getting a job or not. Just because I have tattoos doesn’t mean I’m not going to be a good worker.”

Internet Reacts: From Jokes to HR Advice

The comment section exploded with a mix of support, criticism, and humor. While many sympathized with Ash, others pointed out that facial tattoos—particularly prominent ones—could present real barriers, especially in customer-facing roles.

One viewer quipped, “Maybe it’s the demon spider??” referring to the large, intricate tattoo design crawling from Ash’s neck across her lower cheeks. Another commenter took a humorous route: “[You] can be a bartender, tattoo artist, an extra in a prison movie, bassist for Motley Crue.”

But the jokes were mixed with real insights. “There’s a reason tattoo artists call face tattoos ‘career enders,’” one user noted. Another echoed the sentiment: “I have tattoos everywhere but my face. I can get a job anywhere. Be for real.”

Several users with professional backgrounds weighed in, offering behind-the-scenes context. One claimed to be an HR supervisor, writing, “There is no way any company would put you in front of customers like TJ Maxx.”

Then came a more specific insider comment: “I used to be a hiring manager for TJ Maxx, and I’ll tell you—it’s the facial piercings and tattoos.”

The Larger Debate: Are Employers Stuck in the Past?

Despite increasing societal acceptance of tattoos, particularly among younger generations, the conversation Ash started revealed a lingering double standard—especially for job seekers hoping to work in traditional retail environments.

Over the past decade, tattoos have evolved from taboo to trendy, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. According to a Pew Research Center study, nearly 40% of young adults in the U.S. have at least one tattoo. Still, many companies remain hesitant to place visibly tattooed individuals in front-facing roles.

Ash, who also spoke with the Daily Star after the video went viral, offered a sharp critique of this outdated mindset.

“If they think tattoos determine job skill and qualifications, they really need to rethink,” she said. “Tattoos, piercings, and colored hair are not unprofessional. It shows creativity and uniqueness… people need to get over not liking tattoos.”

When Ink Meets Industry: Where Do Employers Draw the Line?

The incident raises bigger legal and ethical questions about hiring standards. While federal employment law protects against discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, and disability, appearance—especially when it comes to tattoos—is still largely a gray area.

Some employers have dress codes that prohibit visible tattoos, especially on the face and neck. However, these policies are often criticized for being arbitrary or inconsistently applied. Critics argue that in an increasingly diverse and creative society, job qualifications should be prioritized over aesthetics.

Advocates for change suggest companies reframe how they evaluate professionalism, moving away from outdated visual norms and toward actual skill, reliability, and work ethic.

Final Thoughts: Is the Job Market Ready for the Tattooed Generation?

Ash Putnam’s video struck a nerve not just because of her visible frustration, but because it voiced a sentiment so many young adults share: that traditional employment paths can feel unfairly closed off due to factors that don’t reflect competence.

Her story serves as a case study in the ongoing clash between self-expression and professional expectation. It also puts a spotlight on an evolving workforce—one that’s demanding companies reconsider what “professional” really looks like in the modern age.

As for Ash, she’s moved on from the TJ Maxx rejection, but her video continues to resonate. Whether you see her ink as bold art or a barrier, one thing’s clear: the conversation about appearance-based bias in the workplace is far from over.

Would you hire someone with visible tattoos and piercings for a customer-facing role? Let us know your thoughts—and don’t forget to share this story to keep the conversation going.