Locally Grown Bad TV with Alexa Hill

In this episode of Third Space Indy, host Michael Zarick talks with Alexa Hill, owner of Common Room Indy, a salon in Castleton that she describes as a “weird, gay, funky” safe space designed to feel more like a true community hub than a sterile, typical salon. They discuss the idea of “third places” and why salons naturally fit that definition through consistency, conversation, and trust. Alexa shares her 15-year journey in the hair industry, her business education, and how she ultimately took the leap from working in other salons before opening Common Room Indy.The conversation covers how her unapologetic, values-forward presence online helped the business grow, including a viral Instagram reel that brought in like-minded stylists and clients. Michael and Alexa also talk about being explicit about political and community values, creating visibly safe spaces, supporting businesses aligned with those values, and the importance of clarity when choosing where to spend money.Third Space Indy is supported by City Rising00:00 Cold Open01:29 Welcome to Third Space Indy02:56 Meet Alexa Hill & Common Room Indy05:45 Designing a Salon That Feels Like Home07:47 “Therapy” in the Chair09:17 The Gift of Gab12:44 Why Hair Matters17:39 From Cosmetology to Owner20:59 Building the Team24:18 Community Support & Local Spots27:57 Choosing Castleton29:16 Traffic, Parking, and Convenience30:31 Serving Everyone31:44 Why Hair Costs What It Costs35:10 Hair Color Is Chemistry36:17 Sponsor Break + Defining a ‘Third Space’37:56 The Common Room Book Club41:01 Indy Book Crawl44:04 Being a Good Neighbor46:58 Burlesque Classes at She Shop Fitness49:31 Question for the Next Guest + Where to Find Alexa & The Common Room (Wrap-Up)