5 minutes with James Barillaro

1. What did you study at RMIT and what attracted you to that program?

I graduated from RMIT 15 years ago, studying a Bachelor of Information Technology majoring in Business Applications. Making the choice was an easy one for me, as it involved honing my natural skillset in IT while also expanding my breadth of knowledge in the business space.

2. What is your business all about?

Bari Weddings specialises in providing Master of Ceremonies services chiefly to the inner Melbourne and Yarra Valley regions. You can rely on us to keep your special evening flowing smoothly and to give your wedding reception that extra buzz and professionalism. We also collaborate with other wedding vendors such as musicians.

3. Where do you see your business in 10 years’ time?

In future, we are looking to expand beyond the provision of Master of Ceremonies (MC) into other areas such as event management and wedding planning. Some plans are in the works right now, so it may be sooner than 10 years before we see this come to fruition (we hope; watch this space!)

4. How has studying at RMIT prepared you to run your business?

Studying at RMIT not only helped me gather the necessary skills and mindset to navigate a successful career in the IT industry, but helped me to understand the fundamentals behind a business, including marketing, accounting and the wider macroeconomic environment that should always be taken into account.

5. What advice would you have offered yourself when you first started your business?

Starting a business is always a challenge, and the first step can often be the most challenging. I would advise myself not to get caught up in analysis paralysis, and to not be afraid to take that first step sooner!

6. What is your favourite moment at a wedding?

I believe weddings should be a joyous experience for all involved and a chance for everyone to let their hair down, and have a laugh or two. It’s hard to pick just one, but to keep it brief, two images come to mind: a bride throwing the bouquet behind her head and hitting a chandelier; and me having to call time on two karaoke singers murdering the Michael Jackson classic “Billie Jean”!

Thankfully, no one was hurt in either scenario, and many laughs were had!