Exploring Life & Business with Makayla Cox of Clean Up The Beach Ca

Today we’d like to introduce you to Makayla Cox.

Hi Makayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always had the passion of community service and giving to others in need since I became a Girl Scout at the age of 7.
My troop participated in Take Action Projects such as giving clothes, shoes, food and Girl Scout cookies to organizations in need, including the houseless communities in Los Angeles county.
What brought me true happiness was volunteering with organizations to beautify local beaches such as Malibu, Hermosa Beach and Newport Beach.
I was only able to experience this once a year in the summer and surprisingly, it was a challenge to find litter at the beaches that we clean.

Then the 2020 COVID pandemic hit…

Venice Beach was the highlight of the discussion in the media throughout the pandemic, known to be the 2nd most visited place in Southern California, but also the dirtiest.
This was my chance to help change the reputation of Venice Beach by being a part of the solution, while achieving the goals of community service:
1) Cleaning a beach that needs attention
2) Provide a year round monthly opportunity for volunteers
3) Create events that are interactive and fun

Clean Up the Beach was an idea that I had in August 2022 that blossomed into a nonprofit organization in January 2024 with a goal of giving back to a community and encouraging others to care about the proper disposal of litter while protecting the animals and the environment.
Since then, we have collected over 3,500 pounds of trash and partnered with big companies such as State Farm and Chick-fil-a and have been featured by Angel City Football Club and LA Times. Also, I partnered with nearby schools that were community based.
Lastly, I worked with the Venice Neighborhood Council to pass two motions that replaced open trash cans along the boardwalk with secured, closed-lid receptacles to prevent overflow and litter. I have inspired others to take action into what they believe in. Doors have been opened for me by being offered paid internships, awarded grants, and other opportunities to network with others, learn and grow.
I look forward to having more volunteers, community leaders and partners to join in on the mission to “Be Nice to VeNice!” by protecting the beach, boardwalk and common living areas from litter and harm.

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?
One obstacle was that we recieved a grant to get a trailer to store all things neded for the beach clean ups, however, the parking lot does not allow attachments like that to park in. We are now in the midst of finding out another place in Venice to park it safely.
Another obstacle is that once I passed the motions for the trash cans to be replaced, there was no urgency to change them. We made sure that we kept in close contact until they changed them. Now, there are some trash cans that are changed, but not all of them.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Clean Up the Beach is a non-profit organization that promotes and educates volunteers to earn community service hours while caring for southern California beaches by helping clean, advocate for proper litter receptacles and bringing awareness to the importance of protecting marine life.

The primary mission of Clean Up The Beach is to promote and engage people of all ages about community awareness and involvement of the challenges and root causes of litter on beaches, including surrounding areas. (ie. boardwalk, storefronts, athletic activity areas).

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Angel City Football Club
Cosm
Chick-fil-a
Divine Hustles
Earle’s

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cleanupthebeachca.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clean_up_the_beach_ca?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==