Need advice on salon paying $8 hr plus tips

I am 47 and licensed last September. I was hired into a salon in October, and because there is no clientele I am starting at minimum wage. (I have owned my own business before, I have a lot of skin care and makeup artistry experience.) So when I am not busy there, I am being asked to approach the hair clients and ask if they would like a free makeup touchup. This makes me feel uncomfortable for some reason. I know that if I were paid commission, I would be making at lease the same (or less!) but it's the minimum wage thing that I'm stuck on. And feeling owned by the owner. Any thoughts, input from anyone would be so greatly appreciated!

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Fulton on April 12, 2013 at 11:05am

Hi Michele, it takes time to build clients and can be hard in the beginning. If you are uncomfortable with minimum wage then just tell the owner you will only work on commission and ask for more commission. That way you just get paid based on your work and you will feel more comfortable. You have to start somewhere and many places don't pay base pay. It's hard to get things started but be patient and don't give up. I wish you the best!!!

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Permalink Reply by Natalie on April 14, 2013 at 1:20am

make a portfolio of past work- show the newer make-up design and skin care and what it does - offer % off for first time clients...market and advertise utilize you and the location you are in.