Ash Putnam, a heavily tattooed woman from California, went viral after claiming her ink may have cost her job opportunities. In a TikTok video, she said she was told lack of experience was the reason she wasn’t hired—but she suspects her tattoos played a part.

Ash began her tattoo journey at 13, inspired by alternative looks online. She’s now spent over $10,000 modifying her appearance, including blacking out her entire right arm and getting her forehead tattoo removed to make space for new designs. She’s also removing stick-and-poke tattoos she got as a teen.

Currently working as an Uber Eats driver and content creator, Ash admits her look has hurt her chances in retail. “They think my look is unprofessional, but I don’t care anymore,” she said. Her advice? “Don’t get face or neck tattoos if you want to work corporate.”

Despite criticism online and mixed reactions from family, Ash remains confident. Her husband shares her love for tattoos, and she enjoys the flexibility of covering her ink when she wants. “I love my look—and that’s all that matters.”