Unconventional Beauty

I have a couple reasons for making this page...

1.) I wanted to research and find unique and interesting ways people can express themselves in their appearance.
A.) As social research.
B.) To help budding artists get the word out on their out-of-the-ordinary work.
C.) Because I hope to one day get into the cosmetology industry doing out-of-the-ordinary work.
D.) Hopefully make some kind of impact and one day mainstream office employers will hire people that wear expressive make-up, facial piercings and visible tattoos.
E.) In hopes that more people will not just look at the world around them (beauty trends etc) and be true to themselves and follow their own instincts.

Scenario...

2 people walked into an office for an interview in hopes of being hired as a receptionist in a Doctor's Office. The office manager herself has a tattoo on her ankle that is never seen in the office, but her hair is conservative and her makeup is natural in the fashion that her job requires.

The first person she interviews has a conservative look like herself, but has no experience or certification of any kind for the job. The second person she interviews has bright red hair in a tasteful yet unconventional style, has a few large rings in the cartilage of their ears, a small tattoo on their neck and has a degree in administrative assisting.

In the interview the office manager tells the second person that they would perfect for the job but the tattoo would be impossible to cover and it has no place in an office because it is "unprofessional". The second person doesn't understand why, and now feels that if they want to work in their field of choice they have to cover this part of themselves.

Is this not discrimination? Shouldn't education be held higher than appearance?

What do tattoos and piercings have to do with professionalism?