Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Fagien.
Hi Alyssa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started as a passion project. I moved to Atlanta in 2014, and in 2015 I began exploring the city and sharing my experiences on a little Instagram account called ATL Bucket List. At the time, I was working in marketing and social media for other brands, but over the years, my page started gaining traction—and I realized I had something special on my hands.
Eventually, brand partnerships started rolling in, and I made the leap to turn ATL Bucket List into my full-time job. It’s now been 10 years, and what began as a creative outlet has grown into a platform with a community of more than 400,000 people who love this city as much as I do.
In 2025, I launched In Common, a social club for adults in Atlanta looking to make meaningful friendships. After a decade of highlighting everything fun to do in the city, one of the questions I kept getting was, “But how do I meet people to do these things with?” Creating In Common felt like a natural next step—another way to connect people and celebrate all that Atlanta has to offer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes and no—it’s been a great journey, but definitely not without its challenges. From the outside, social media can make it all look glamorous, but running two small businesses (ATL Bucket List and my now-closed social media agency, Atlys Media) during COVID was incredibly tough. One of the hardest decisions I’ve made was choosing to walk away from Atlys after spending five years building it. It wasn’t easy, but ultimately, it was the right move for me.
Then came the next big leap—getting the courage to launch In Common. Starting something new is always scary, especially when it’s so close to your heart. But I’m really proud of myself for going for it. All in all, I feel incredibly grateful and confident that I’m on the path I’m meant to be on.
As you know, we’re big fans of ATL Bucket List / In Common. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
ATL Bucket List is Atlanta’s go-to guide for discovering the best things to do, eat, and experience in the city. What started as a fun side project 10 years ago has grown into a trusted resource with a community of more than 400,000 locals and visitors who rely on the page for curated recommendations—from hidden gems and new restaurant openings to seasonal events and weekend guides.
What sets ATL Bucket List apart is the personal touch. Everything I post is something I’ve personally tried or genuinely love—I want people to feel like they’re getting a recommendation from a friend, not just another list on the internet. I’ve always prioritized authenticity, and I think that’s what keeps people coming back.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the connection it’s built with the Atlanta community. It’s not just about content—it’s about creating experiences, championing small businesses, and helping people fall in love with this city, whether they’ve lived here for a decade or just moved last week.
And then there is In Common, a social club for adults ages 25-40 in Atlanta who are looking to make real-life friendships and meaningful connections. It was born out of the question I’ve been asked for years through ATL Bucket List: “How do I meet people as an adult in this city?” With In Common, I wanted to create a space where that feels easy, inclusive, and fun.
We host 2+ curated in-person events each month—everything from cocktail classes to pickleball socials to walk-and-talks—and members also get access to a private online community to keep the connection going between events. What sets us apart is the intention behind everything we do. Our events are designed to spark conversation and help people feel welcome, even if they walk in not knowing a single person.
I’m incredibly proud of the community we’re building. In just a few months, we’ve seen strangers become real-life friends, and nothing fills my cup more than that. If you’ve ever felt like it’s hard to make friends as an adult in Atlanta—you’re not alone, and In Common was made for you.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My best advice? Start by showing up. Go to events, say yes to things that feel slightly outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Some of my most valuable relationships have come from simply being curious and open—whether that was grabbing coffee with someone I admired or sending a genuine DM just to say, “I love what you’re doing.”
Pricing:
- In Common yearly membership: $144
- In Common quarterly membership: $40
Contact Info:
- Website: http://atlbucketlist.com/, https://www.incommonatl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atl_bucketlist, https://www.instagram.com/incommonatl
Image Credits
The two photos from ATL Bucket List 10th anniversary party (I am wearing the pink dress) + In Common launch party (big group in front of sign and balloons) – Cameren Rogers
