She is considered one of the few women who were highly educated during her time, having studied in universities in Russia, France, and England.

[4] Her mother, Paulina Iul'evna (Pauline Wengeroff), came from a wealthy family and was also a published author.

[6] Vengerova grew up in Saint Petersburg before her family moved to Minsk, where she completed her gymnasium education in 1881.

[7] She also stressed individuality and criticized portrayals of divisions between men and women based on biology.

[1] She also wrote a column covering European literature for Vestnik Evropy (The Herald of Europe) periodical for fifteen years.

[1] Vengerova and her husband became active in the Russian decadence and symbolism movements, which celebrated the cult of beauty and enjoyment.

[7][11] She pioneered Decadence as a "new art" and single-handedly constructed for Russians her interpretation of French Symbolism.