The okiya is typically run by the "mother" (okā-san) of the house, who handles a geisha's engagements, the development of her skills, and funds her training through a particular teahouse.
[1] A geisha's engagements at parties, and her lessons in singing, traditional dance, musical instruments and tea ceremony are also booked through her okiya.
Under this system, until a geisha's debt is paid off – a process that takes roughly two years through this arrangement – all of her tips and wages go to the okiya, who then give her an allowance in return.
A geisha under this arrangement generally enters into it with an external guarantor, and requires the mother of the house to keep extensive and detailed records.
Under this arrangement, a geisha's debts are absorbed by the okiya, with all the money she earns going to the establishment directly as the new owner and proprietor of the house following the permanent retirement or death of her adoptive mother.