I want to clarify that renters are self-employed, but they are not independent contractors.

Are you referring to renters? If so, that might change the situation. A landlord can make it a condition of the lease that any clients referred to the renter (non-requests) are considered gained through the marketing efforts of the rental business. This condition could restrict the renter from gaining access to (or obtaining) the client contact information and soliciting that client. As the client will have provided their contact data to the salon–NOT the renter–it would be wise for the landlord to ensure the security of that information, and not release it without the client’s express permission.

Hi Elizabeth!
Who provides the contract is up to you and the entity/person you’re contracting with. I prefer to set my own terms and present my own contract, but in some instances (for example, when I’m contracted to speak at major beauty shows), I start with their contract and negotiate until it suits me. I highly (ALLCAPS HIGHLY) recommend you read the following articles:
Definitions
The 20 Factor Test
Know Your Rights

I’m not sure what you mean by your “mileage,” but I have a post about discrimination here. A C&D is nothing more than a request sent on her behalf for you to stop before she sues. However, you can’t stop doing something you AREN’T doing in the first place. C&D’s are generally meaningless. They’re written to threaten and intimidate. If there’s a valid reason for sending it (for example, if you actually were soliciting her clients), then it would be valid, but since you claim you’re not, it isn’t. She can attempt to sue you, but without proof, she won’t get far (if her attorney even agrees to file against you–it’s far more likely that he’ll explain to her how the law works and what a waste of time and money it would be to pursue you for something she can’t prove you did). If I were you, I’d hire an attorney to respond to her attorney’s C&D. It’ll cost you maybe $150-300, depending on who you hire, but I’d have the letter clarify that a.) I am not soliciting anyone and I’d like to see any proof she has to substantiate that claim, and b.) if she cannot provide proof, to stop harassing you and attempting to intimidate you. She’s trying to suppress your ability to work, and my letter of response would say so.

She sent me a cease to desist, should I reach out to an attorney? I was trying to look up laws on non competes. Is it discrimination that my mileage is more than others? Who do you suggest I should do? This is in the eyelash extension industry by the way. I’m so afraid as I’m just taking over my aunts business and now this..

She can’t sue you for breach of non-solicitation if you didn’t solicit the clients. If they found you, they’re yours. If she wants to sue you, she’ll have to PROVE you solicited the clients (which you claim you didn’t). Since she can’t prove that (because it didn’t happen), you have nothing to worry about.

The only way to know how you were classified is to go by which documents you received at the end of the tax year (1099 or W-2). You can file an SS-8 form with the IRS and have them perform an investigation. They can make a determination for you.

If they try, they’ll have to explain to a judge why they classified you as an independent contractor. I’m willing to bet that’s not something they want to address, since the consequences for them will be pretty serious and the potential reward won’t come close to outweighing it. Unless they’re tremendously stupid, they likely won’t do anything to enforce it. Should they go to an attorney, my guess is that they will highly advise them against taking action.