A woman with an array of tattoos and piercings claims she faced job rejection from TJ Maxx due to her body art.
Ash Putnam took her to TikTok to share her experience after receiving an automated e-mail from the retailer stating she wouldn’t be considered for a job without explanation.
Suspecting her visible tattoos and piercings influenced the decision, Putnam confronted a store manager who allegedly cited her lack of experience as the reason for her rejection. However, Putnam remained sceptical, feeling her body art played a role.
Expressing frustration, Putnam questioned the barriers faced by young people seeking entry-level jobs, arguing that tattoos and piercings shouldn’t hinder employment opportunities.
She emphasized that intelligence and work ethic are not determined by appearance, advocating for a broader discussion.
While not desperate for the TJ Maxx job, Putnam felt disappointed by the rejection, highlighting the stigma attached to tattoos in the workplace.
Currently working as an Uber Eats driver and leveraging her social media presence for additional income, Putnam shared her tattoos depicting Satanic imagery, including a goat and a Leviathan Cross.
Her TikTok post garnered millions of views, prompting others to share similar experiences and opinions, with some defending TJMaxx’ss decision, citing the potential impact of visible body art on customer-facing roles.
Despite mixed reactions, Putnam’ss story sparked a debate on societal attitudes towards tattoos and piercings in the workplace, reflecting the ongoing struggle for acceptance and inclusivity.”
The incident also reignited discussions about company policies regarding employee appearance and the balance between maintaining a professional image and embracing diversity. Some argued for more inclusive hiring practices, while others defended companies'” rights to establish dress codes and grooming standards.”
