Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old with extensive tattoos, recently shared her experience of being rejected for a job at TJ Maxx on TikTok, where her video quickly went viral, garnering over seven million views and thousands of comments. In the video, Ash questioned how young people with tattoos could secure an entry-level job, and many viewers in the comments shared similar thoughts.
In her viral TikTok, Ash explained that after applying for a job at TJ Maxx, she received an automatic rejection email a few weeks later, which frustrated her. She decided to visit the store to inquire about the reason for the rejection. The employee told her it was due to a lack of experience and that other candidates had more qualifications. When Ash asked if her tattoos were the issue, the employee denied it, but Ash wasn’t convinced. She expressed frustration, stating that having tattoos doesn’t affect her ability to be a good worker and that some of the most intelligent people she knows have tattoos and piercings.
Although Ash never received a clear answer from TJ Maxx, many TikTok users seemed to agree on the likely reason for her rejection: her tattoos. Some commenters, including a tattoo artist, suggested that the tattoos were the issue. An HR supervisor pointed out that companies like TJ Maxx wouldn’t want someone with visible tattoos working in front of customers. A former TJ Maxx employee also shared that the company hires many people, but tattoos and piercings could be a factor in the decision. Another commenter suggested that the location of Ash’s tattoos, rather than the tattoos themselves, might have been the problem.
Ash Putnam believes her tattoos were likely the reason she was rejected from TJ Maxx, as many people commented on her TikTok, calling her tattoos “demonic” and “scary.” Although TJ Maxx never explicitly told her this, she noted the hateful comments she received, with some suggesting she should work at a circus or Halloween store. Ash feels that companies need to reconsider their hiring practices, arguing that tattoos, piercings, and colored hair do not reflect a person’s professionalism. She believes they demonstrate creativity and uniqueness, and that in 2024, people should move past outdated views on body art.
