The classic film "The Godfather" taught us that when it comes to business, sometimes you've got to go to the mattresses. In other words, go to war with your competitors if need be, and above all show no mercy. Antonio Tailor Shop, tucked away within a small outdoor mall along 3rd Avenue, prescribes to a different business model where being a friendly face and a good neighbor results in a thriving business minus the bloody horse heads.

The tailor is one of many found in the Downtown Chula Vista area and specializes in alterations on most garments, including wedding gowns, suits, and jeans as well as custom dressmaking. In fact, there's another tailor just a few doors down from the shop offering similar services. That hasn't lead owner Luz Maria Gonzalez, or Lucy as her friends and regular customers call her, to use cutthroat tactics a la Vito Corleone.

"There's no competition," said Gonzalez, who has been in business in that location for 3 1/2 years and a professional tailor for 25 years. "We help each other out. If I need a certain color thread, she'll give it to me. No charge. And I do the same for her. We're just good neighbors."

The positive energy fills up the small workspace, even though Gonzalez once found herself the victim of robbery in that location. A woman walked in and threatened to harm her if she didn't hand over all her money a while back. Still, that hasn't changed her positive view on business.

"I never feel in danger," assured Gonzalez. "It's very calm here. I'm never afraid or think I'll be robbed again. She must have just needed the money." There's two large work tables covered with scraps of fabric and various tools of the trade and numerous sewing machines line the walls, leaving a small path for Gonzalez and her sole employee and longtime friend, Ramona Espinoza, to navigate when in need of thread or the remote control so they can watch their telenovelas while they work. Most customers hire her services based on recommendations from others.