Independent Contractor vs. Employee- Paid training. Advice Please.?

Hi. I live in Colorado, and was recently hired as an independent contractor by a wedding planning and officiant service. Over the past weeks, I have become increasingly concerned about the business practices of the owner. She has required myself and two others to attend mandatory training sessions which we are not being paid for. I have spent time and money traveling to wedding sites and planning meetings. She has also dictated that we must attend 6, 2.5 hr training sessions that she teaches in her 400 sq. foot apartment which she uses to operate her business as well as live in! I have not yet performed any work for her, but have been informed that the first $300 I earn will be held back until my one year anniversary with the company. I have signed a contract that did not specify any of these details, however she has never provided me with a signed copy bearing her signature as well. I have a horrible feeling about what I have gotten myself involved with. I'm thinking that this individual should clify us not as ICs, but as employees merely by the nature of what I have experienced thus far. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I feel as though I need to make a decision shortly as to whether I should continue with this endeavor. Thank you in advance.