Geisha Income
Maiko receive only an allowance from the okiya instead of a salary. They were expected to pay off the cost of training and living expenses. But once the maiko has “turned her collar” and become geiko, or full geisha, she may start earning her own money and has more financial freedom. She earned income by attending banquets, appearing at parties at a favored tea house, and receiving tips from wealthy customers.
Popular geisha could earn quite a bit of money, although the cost of doing business could be quite burdensome. Working geisha purchased kimono, had their hair done (and redone), bought makeup, and continued with the geisha training. It was geisha professional development, to keep their skills up to date.
