People Are Applauding This Company That Encouraged Their Employee To Show Off Her Tattoos In A Headshot Pic
Interview
Working in some offices comes with a set of expectations on a person’s appearance. Often they require the employees to dress formally and have natural hair colors. It is expected for women to wear makeup but not too much, and to wear only minimal jewellery, otherwise they might be considered to be unprofessional and not taken seriously.
Visible tattoos are also often seen as an issue in a business environment. So if someone wants to get a tattoo and work in an office, they might need to cover the images on their body with clothes or get them in places that aren’t that visible.
However, in the past decade, businesses have been loosening their requirements: suits are becoming less of a popular attire, bright hair colors are more acceptable and tattoos are becoming less of a problem. As proven by Evolution Capital Partners, where a manager suggested his employee not hide the tattoos on her arms and just have them on show in the headshot picture.
More info: LinkedIn
This woman shared how her managing partner wasn’t opposed to her getting a company photo with her tattoos exposed and actually encouraged it
Image credits: Jessica Hanzie Leonard, CPA, MBA
The employee’s name is Jessica Hanzie Leonard and she was getting her professional photo updated for her new role at the company that would be put on its website. The photographer was not only taking photos for the company’s website, but for LinkedIn too. Jessica was planning to wear a jacket to cover her tattoos as that is what people imagine to be professional.
She thought she would like to have some photos without the jacket so she could use them for her personal LinkedIn profile, but felt the need to ask her managing partner if he wouldn’t mind her taking it without a jacket and revealing her tattooed arms.
Image credits: Jessica Hanzie Leonard, CPA, MBA
Bored Panda reached out to Jessica and asked why she thinks people might consider tattoos unprofessional and that they make a person less trust-worthy. Jessica explains that people are just giving into stereotypes and created a certain image in their heads that isn’t true, “While stereotypes of people with tattoos and tattoo culture seem to be loosening, I believe a lot of individuals, particularly in professional environments, have preconceived notions that people with tattoos have negative personality characteristics, and lower levels of intelligence, competence, and sociability.”
Jessica is an accounting and investment executive who was used to hiding her tattoos for fear of being considered unprofessional and not being taken seriously
Image credits: Jessica Hanzie Leonard, CPA, MBA
She experienced such an attitude for herself so Jessica was really surprised when her managing partner not only didn’t mind, he actually encouraged the employee to show off the art on her body in all of the photos. She was so shocked and pleasantly surprised that she shared the story on her LinkedIn, showing how the photos turned out and it went quite viral.
The post has more than 31k likes and over 2.5k comments. People loved the managing partner’s attitude and that he didn’t think that an employee’s skills are less valuable when they have a different way of expressing themselves in their appearance.
The post got a lot of positive attention from other people online, but we were interested to know what was the reaction of Jessica’s coworkers when they saw which photo was chosen for the company’s website. She revealed to us, “My other coworkers are really pleased with this representation of our inclusive culture. We are also all fascinated that my post generated so much attention. I don’t believe any of us imagined my message would resonate with so many people, not just in the United States, but all over the world.”
Image credits: Jessica Hanzie Leonard, CPA, MBA
That is why she was taking new company headshots with a jacket to hide her tattooed arms
Image credits: Jessica Hanzie Leonard, CPA, MBA
The founding partner of Evolution Capital Partners, Jeffrey Kadlic, spoke to Good Morning America and told them “It is the content of one’s character that is most important to us. […] We see Jess for who she is and embrace all of her because she shares our core values and is a tremendous talent. At the end of the day, that is all that really matters.”
That was truly a refreshing attitude for Jessica as during her whole career, she felt that she needed to cover up and wear long sleeves even in the middle of a scorching summer, being careful not to reveal some small tattoos behind her ear and on her leg or ankle.
When she brought up that she would like some photos for personal use without the jacket, a colleague suggested to take all the photos like that
Image credits: Jessica Hanzie Leonard, CPA, MBA
Jessica was pleasantly surprised and shared her experience in a LinkedIn post which went viral
Image credits: Jessica Hanzie Leonard, CPA, MBA
It can really start to feel like you are not being allowed to be yourself and take notice of how you dress and what hairstyle you have instead of looking at the work you do and the results you bring in.
Jessica is happy that her new workplace is not like that. Even though the company she left didn’t openly say that she should not show her tattoos, they never openly told her that they are fine, like in Evolution Capital Partners, so she didn’t feel as free.
People loved the story and wished that more companies would have the same attitude
Especially when other people made comments to her as mentioned in the LinkedIn post: “I saw your new photo on LinkedIn showing your tattoos… I was a bit surprised. You’re not going to use that as your bio photo in proposals, though, right?” or people saying that they wouldn’t get tattoos even if they wanted them because their position wouldn’t allow them as others wouldn’t take them seriously.
The saddest part was that most of these comments were made by other women in leading positions that she looked up to as mentors.
People also expressed their dissatisfaction with how there is still so much pressure to look professional when it doesn’t add to the knowledge and skills
They think that the pandemic might help with that and that more companies will loosen up the rules about appearance
However, the comments under the post were overwhelmingly positive. People loved the fact that there are companies who don’t give in to stereotypes and what they look for in an employee is skills and knowledge.
Many of the comments shared the same opinion that tattoos or different hair colors don’t determine the professional value of a person and actually makes them interesting and indicate more about who the professional is as a person.
Some pointed out that actually, those features make a person more interesting and tell more about their personality and not their skills
As there was so much engagement in the post with the likes and comments, we were wondering if there was anything that surprised Jessica and she told us that she didn’t expect people to be sp brave in sharing their own stories “I was most surprised by the vulnerability people showed in sharing with me their own personal experiences with bias and judgment in the workplace. It was particularly moving to learn that people related this to so much more than tattoos. The broad theme has been how inspired professionals feel that we’re moving in the right direction on removing bias and judgment on the basis of many issues, including race, gender, hair color and length, makeup, weight, and so much more.”
We would like to hear what you think about Jessica’s post and do you think that more companies should get rid of the stigma surrounding tattoos and stop caring about how their employees present themselves as long as they are good at their jobs? Or do you think that looking professional, meaning no tattoos or extravagant makeup, clothes or hair should remain among a company’s values? Let us know in the comments!
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About 20 years ago, during some kind of "phase", I got tattoos on my forearms, which back then was very rare for a younger female and many adults told me how it would end up negatively impacting my career. As an adolescent and young adult Psychologist, my tattoos have actually helped me create a lot of positive interactions as a lot of kids ask about them and it ends up being a great starting point to build a comfortable relationship. Apparently, they think it is "cool" versus the old stuffy doctor they were expecting.
Someone more clever than I said, "People who have lots have tattoos should always get the job. They have shown they have the ability to hold perfectly still while getting pierced with needles hundreds of times. If anyone can stand sitting through a company meeting, it's them."
I had to cover my tattoos and I worked at a Art and crafts Supply store! I mean I just had half sleeves on both arms and one was my own drawing! I have a degree in Art. It really baffled me that this was not acceptable. They passed a rule about only 4in x4in of tattoo being able to be seen. I was like this is so dumb. It's not even a law firm or something prestigious. I'm a check out girl at a art store. Why are people so worried about what everyone else thinks. I was super helpful and polite and people would come in asking for help from the girl with tattoos! Older ladies doing their quilting projects usually loved talking to be about my tattoos the most! I found it quite humorous! The tattoos definitely did not make me less able to do my job or less aprochable it's just ink it may as well be a birth mark. It's the content of someone not their appearance that should matter in all jobs! Glad you had a awesome boss that saw that!
I would think tattoos in and arts and crafts supply store would be a bonus.
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Tattoos used to be associated with prison and gangs, but they haven't been exclusive to that lifestyle in a long time. All it is at this point is some pictures. But i think what bothers corporate is not the tattoos themselves but the same reason that you arent allowed to wear t-shirts with pictures on the. Because they despise expressions of individuality. The need corporate drones, who litteraly all look the same and think and work the same. Its not about capability at this point, because ironically its individuality that gets you ahead in an environment, its about getting the f**k in line.
Yep, that's about the size of it. I work foodservice and so while some of the rules make sense, and I haven't gotten any complaints about my personal coffee mug and watch, but they'd probably show me the door if I got so much as a finger tattoo.
Load More Replies...
As someone who expresses themselves with coloured hair, earrings and tattoos; I've been passed over jobs just for the way I look. (It's probably better for me in the long knowing that I don't have to work with judgmental people). However, it's fantastic to see someone with tattoos being respected for who she is and her work performance over her looks. *snaps*
Of course I had to check out their website. And there she is! Yeah! :) Also, there she is, the only partner having to list that she's a CPA and MBA. The rest are identified simply as "partner". So there's still some compensating happening. :(
I don't think so! Looking through the biographies of the other partners, she is the ONLY ONE who has an MBA, and the two women listed with CPA are the only ones out of the group who are practicing CPAs. Everyone else has a BA, BS, or MS degree which isn't super-relevant to call out for a capital management firm.
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i think having tattoos shows your strong, i mean, you’ve had needles pressed into your skin for a couple of hours (depends on the tattoo).
btw when i said depends on the tattoo i meant the length of time, for example if it’s a simple tattoo then it might only take half an hour
Load More Replies...
The stigma associated with tattoos will die with the Boomer generation. They grew up in a world where the majority of people with tattoos were sailors, bikers or inmates. Hence the "only bad/rough/shady people have tattoos" attitude. Most people I know from younger generations barely even notice tattoos as they've seen them in all walks of life since birth.
I loves it when Oriini Kaipara presented the national news with her Moko kauae. It's been discriminated against for so long. Beautiful and lovely to see being normalized. Fear of tattoos in general, especially on women, causes hurt for a lot of wahine with the Moko kauae https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/tvnzs-oriini-kaipara-first-with-moko-tattoo-to-present-mainstream-news/CJD3OL3GEAOMMZ6QZ22PHJFQCU/
BRAVO!! I have full sleeves. After I left my job at agent orange ( rhymes with home depot), I interviewed with a major paint company to work the front desk and assist customers. The company rhymes with erwin illiams, ahem, the manager and I met at aStarbucks, as I took my jacket off, he froze. stood up and said, interview over. Because of my tattoos. Now mind you, they are not gang affiliated, are not offensive, and I was shocked.
I work in a hospital that finally had to give in that an awful lot of people, including nurses, have tattoos, so as long as the tattoos aren't offensive they are good to be seen. They have some legitimate concerns about piercings given the health care setting but aren't too extreme on those restrictions and even those they have a weakly enforced. Back on the tattoo thing. About a decade ago I worked with this big power lifting dude that had lots of tattoos, including one arm that had lots of skulls and the back of his shaved head had a pentagram with a goat face in it. Well, one day he was working in the OR and an older lady woke up in the recovery room, saw him, and said, "she thought she was in Hell". After that he made sure to wear long sleeves and a beanie to cover his head when working down there.
My take on this is similar to so many others. Unless your tattoos are promoting hate, why not show them off? Each tells a story that you thought important enough to make permanent on your own body.
I love this. I come from a family of people with good quality and LOTS of tats. All our jobs have supported us no matter what they were. It's a shame to hide the stories that are behind great artwork! As long as they aren't racist/bigoted tats, show them proud!
An overpriced baked goods store a friend works at only allows “religious” tattoos visible and forces all others to be covered.
"natural hair color"... Hhmmm In my opinion your hair could be turquoise or purple and still "natural". "Be more specific" is my mantra. Those colors occur in nature quite well, thanks.
Jesus thats stupid what the f**k does a tattoo have to do with the job you do? is pure woke bullshit
About 20 years ago, during some kind of "phase", I got tattoos on my forearms, which back then was very rare for a younger female and many adults told me how it would end up negatively impacting my career. As an adolescent and young adult Psychologist, my tattoos have actually helped me create a lot of positive interactions as a lot of kids ask about them and it ends up being a great starting point to build a comfortable relationship. Apparently, they think it is "cool" versus the old stuffy doctor they were expecting.
Someone more clever than I said, "People who have lots have tattoos should always get the job. They have shown they have the ability to hold perfectly still while getting pierced with needles hundreds of times. If anyone can stand sitting through a company meeting, it's them."
I had to cover my tattoos and I worked at a Art and crafts Supply store! I mean I just had half sleeves on both arms and one was my own drawing! I have a degree in Art. It really baffled me that this was not acceptable. They passed a rule about only 4in x4in of tattoo being able to be seen. I was like this is so dumb. It's not even a law firm or something prestigious. I'm a check out girl at a art store. Why are people so worried about what everyone else thinks. I was super helpful and polite and people would come in asking for help from the girl with tattoos! Older ladies doing their quilting projects usually loved talking to be about my tattoos the most! I found it quite humorous! The tattoos definitely did not make me less able to do my job or less aprochable it's just ink it may as well be a birth mark. It's the content of someone not their appearance that should matter in all jobs! Glad you had a awesome boss that saw that!
I would think tattoos in and arts and crafts supply store would be a bonus.
Load More Replies... Tattoos used to be associated with prison and gangs, but they haven't been exclusive to that lifestyle in a long time. All it is at this point is some pictures. But i think what bothers corporate is not the tattoos themselves but the same reason that you arent allowed to wear t-shirts with pictures on the. Because they despise expressions of individuality. The need corporate drones, who litteraly all look the same and think and work the same. Its not about capability at this point, because ironically its individuality that gets you ahead in an environment, its about getting the f**k in line.
Yep, that's about the size of it. I work foodservice and so while some of the rules make sense, and I haven't gotten any complaints about my personal coffee mug and watch, but they'd probably show me the door if I got so much as a finger tattoo.
Load More Replies... As someone who expresses themselves with coloured hair, earrings and tattoos; I've been passed over jobs just for the way I look. (It's probably better for me in the long knowing that I don't have to work with judgmental people). However, it's fantastic to see someone with tattoos being respected for who she is and her work performance over her looks. *snaps*
Of course I had to check out their website. And there she is! Yeah! :) Also, there she is, the only partner having to list that she's a CPA and MBA. The rest are identified simply as "partner". So there's still some compensating happening. :(
I don't think so! Looking through the biographies of the other partners, she is the ONLY ONE who has an MBA, and the two women listed with CPA are the only ones out of the group who are practicing CPAs. Everyone else has a BA, BS, or MS degree which isn't super-relevant to call out for a capital management firm.
Load More Replies... i think having tattoos shows your strong, i mean, you’ve had needles pressed into your skin for a couple of hours (depends on the tattoo).
btw when i said depends on the tattoo i meant the length of time, for example if it’s a simple tattoo then it might only take half an hour
Load More Replies... The stigma associated with tattoos will die with the Boomer generation. They grew up in a world where the majority of people with tattoos were sailors, bikers or inmates. Hence the "only bad/rough/shady people have tattoos" attitude. Most people I know from younger generations barely even notice tattoos as they've seen them in all walks of life since birth.
I loves it when Oriini Kaipara presented the national news with her Moko kauae. It's been discriminated against for so long. Beautiful and lovely to see being normalized. Fear of tattoos in general, especially on women, causes hurt for a lot of wahine with the Moko kauae https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/tvnzs-oriini-kaipara-first-with-moko-tattoo-to-present-mainstream-news/CJD3OL3GEAOMMZ6QZ22PHJFQCU/
BRAVO!! I have full sleeves. After I left my job at agent orange ( rhymes with home depot), I interviewed with a major paint company to work the front desk and assist customers. The company rhymes with erwin illiams, ahem, the manager and I met at aStarbucks, as I took my jacket off, he froze. stood up and said, interview over. Because of my tattoos. Now mind you, they are not gang affiliated, are not offensive, and I was shocked.
I work in a hospital that finally had to give in that an awful lot of people, including nurses, have tattoos, so as long as the tattoos aren't offensive they are good to be seen. They have some legitimate concerns about piercings given the health care setting but aren't too extreme on those restrictions and even those they have a weakly enforced. Back on the tattoo thing. About a decade ago I worked with this big power lifting dude that had lots of tattoos, including one arm that had lots of skulls and the back of his shaved head had a pentagram with a goat face in it. Well, one day he was working in the OR and an older lady woke up in the recovery room, saw him, and said, "she thought she was in Hell". After that he made sure to wear long sleeves and a beanie to cover his head when working down there.
My take on this is similar to so many others. Unless your tattoos are promoting hate, why not show them off? Each tells a story that you thought important enough to make permanent on your own body.
I love this. I come from a family of people with good quality and LOTS of tats. All our jobs have supported us no matter what they were. It's a shame to hide the stories that are behind great artwork! As long as they aren't racist/bigoted tats, show them proud!
An overpriced baked goods store a friend works at only allows “religious” tattoos visible and forces all others to be covered.
"natural hair color"... Hhmmm In my opinion your hair could be turquoise or purple and still "natural". "Be more specific" is my mantra. Those colors occur in nature quite well, thanks.
Jesus thats stupid what the f**k does a tattoo have to do with the job you do? is pure woke bullshit
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