Self Employed or Not

I recently was employed as a independent contractor as a massage therapist so I revceived a 1099. However, this certain employer dictated hours I needed to work and if I could take time off and how much to charge. This to me is a fine line I am new to this title. There was no time card I punched in and no formatted schedule it was just a schedule book we wrote our hours in, My dilemna is now that I have opened my own Massage Business this Local Spa owner refuses to pay me money due to me. I turned in my commision sheets and have contacted this individual several times no response. I am a single mother of two and this hurts. Now, I have to resort to government assistance to keep my head above water til i get my Business going, the amount owed to me is 1700 and that would be very helpful right now. My question is does anyone know of any aother loop holes i can go thru to get my money deserved?? I have filed in Small claims court but the court system is 6 months in the rears in minnesota. I definately would get a lawyer if i could afford it and file unemployment if I could. Anyone out there with words of wisdom?? or guidance??